Nov/Dec Update:

Alina is growing so fast and doing so well in school! She is one of our "NLLB Stars"! She has her new walker to get her to and from school and her braces. She is growing so fast that we are in need of supplying more high top tennis shoes for her and most recently she asked for boots to cover her braces (perhaps she is being teased or doesn't want to look different). If any NLLB supporters out there knit, perhaps some leg warmers in a cute design would make her smile! Ruth, the NLLB Indonesia contact has supplied shoes and vitamins for Alina and her sister and will be bringing new shoes back when she returns from the USA.

Alina was referred to the NLLB by an Indonesian driver who had seen our work. He was a neighbor of her family. When we met Alina in 2011, she was 4 years old and could only crawl. Her feet were crooked from lack of standing. She was born with Spina Bifida and was partially paralyzed from the waist down. 

NLLB made contact with the Singapore Children’s Hospital’s Orthopedic Dept where Dr. Kevin Lim practiced the Ponsetti method of serial casting for clubfeet. Alina and her mother traveled from Jakarta and stayed with a NLLB Host Family during their serial casting appointments. Alina was casted 3 times over 7 weeks and with each cast her feet straightened. 

Upon completion of her casting, Alina received plastic splints to wear on her feet, as well as good quality shoes that would help her feet maintain their positioning. We have also been able to find a facility in Jakarta that can make new splints as she grows.

We were able to help Alina's father design a walking frame to construct in order to build her strength in walking. He is a very creative and clever man and build not only a well-designed and sturdy device, but her her parents decorated it. These are loving parents who strive to see that Alina has every advantage to reach her potential.

A child'’s walker was provided for Alina and she was instructed on it's use. She is currently (March 2014) walking to school and her feet have maintained their position. She is a very bright child and is ranked #1 in her class.

Alina’s life completely changed once she became upright. She is learning to walk without her walker, gaining muscle in her legs and enjoying the life of a normal little girl! Three simple casts changed her life and opened the door to new possibilities.

As of April 2014, Alina is walking to school everyday with her walker. She is doing very well in school and holds a class ranking of #2. She is able to walk without the walker in her home for approximately 15 steps, although she rotates her leg. NLLB has videoed her walking independently and will be seeking advice on a long leg brace which might provide more stability. She has also grown and is in need of a new walker. We are searching new walkers now. They are not available here in Indonesia and we will need to purchase one abroad and bring it in.

Alina's family are extremely supportive and loving. They are so thankful to all who have helped Alina. They also referred a new child with similar walking issues and we will evaluate that child in the future.

On a recent visit this month (April 2014) I took photos of Alina with her walker and took measurements for a new walker. After posting her photos and story and sending emails in search for a used walker for her... a wonderful friend has purchased a brand new walker that will be be perfect for her now and offer some years of growth! It is coming from the USA and will be carried back by another friend! WONDERFUL to see how the internet connects! This is such a blessing.....it will offer her more independence and opportunities as she grows!

Alina's new walker has arrived to Jakarta from the USA (purchased and hand-carried by NLLB friends). She will receive this new walker sometimes this week. Her old walker will be sent to another of our cases, Chelsea.