Five years ago Sasha Krasakov came to Canada as a 12 year old boy with Brittle Bone disease.  At that time he was living his life in constant pain and his small body had suffered from the result of multiple fractures to many of his bones.  The Shriners of Brockville sponsored him and he was treated at the Shrine Hospital in Montreal where the world leaders in this disease practice.  At that time his treatment served to soften his bones and he has been living pain free ever since.

With the sponsorship of the Brockville Shriners for his medical visit and his living and local travel expenses covered by the Ross McNeil Foundation, Sasha returned last week for two days of testing at the Shrine Hospital.  Afterwards he returned to Brockville where he was hosted by CAC Treasurer Mike Waldron.  Here is a picture of Sasha and his Mom, Lena, along with Mike Waldron and our interpreter Iryna Makarevich.

After all he has been through Sasha is always quick with a smile or his signature giggle and appreciative of the help he has been given.  Sasha and Lena head back to Belarus on Tuesday and await the results of the tests.  In two or three weeks there will be a consultation between the medical specialists to determine if there is more treatment that could help to improve Sasha’s quality of life and if so, determine when such treatment could be scheduled.  Until then, they will return to their rural life in Belarus secure in the knowledge that their many Canadian friends care about them.

Eric McKenzie