Mater brings hope to those in need

Release date: 12/12/2008

For 23 years Russian twenty-six year old Kira Samyelova suffered from debilitating scoliosis which saw her u-shaped back curved 98 degrees as her ribcage touched her pelvis.

For 23 years Russian twenty-six year old Kira Samyelova suffered from debilitating scoliosis which saw her u-shaped back curved 98 degrees as her ribcage touched her pelvis.

Today, after life-changing surgery at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane by Spinal Surgeon, Dr Geoffrey Askin in early October and a lengthy recovery period, Kira’s life has been transformed.

As the result of a partnership between Mater Health Services and Project Nadezhda (meaning ‘hope’), Kira is the seventh scoliosis patient to be brought to Australia from Russia for complex spinal surgery.

Project Nadezhda representative, Vera Derevtsov said that in Russia there is no intervention for disabilities including severe scoliosis.

“In Moscow, there are no doctors who can perform this kind of surgery, so we are effectively creating a brand new life and future for the patients we bring to Australia for treatment,” Mrs Derevtsov said.

“What Dr Askin has done for Kira equates to a miracle in Russia,” she said.

Since 1994, Mater Health Services, in conjunction with Moscow District Health Ministry and Project Nadezhda, has undertaken four medical missions to Russia to treat children with a disability, with a further 14 travelling to Australia for treatment.

For information on supporting Project Nadezhda contact Mrs Derevtsov on 07 3394 2658.

Media opportunity

Dr Geoffrey Askin, Vera Derevtsov and Kira Samailova (via interpreter) at Kira’s follow up appointment at Mater Private Clinic.

When: Monday, 15 December 2008
Time: 2.25pm for a 2.30pm consultation
Where: Meet at Marketing Office, Level 1, Mater Medical Centre

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact Mater Public Affairs:
Raegen Purse, Senior Public Affairs Officer
Ph: 07 3163 3495 or 0402 069 828