SERGEI COTTINGHAM LEVER
2002
My name is Brena Lever and I work as an adoption specialist with Adoption Options. During the course of my work, I was asked to organize a group of photos and medical reports for some children that had been informally designated as "difficult to place." The reasons varied; the children were older, part of a sibling group, or had a medical condition of some sort. It was at this time that I came across a picture of a little boy with the happiest eyes and brightest smile I had ever seen. I could not imagine why this little one had not been placed, until I looked further and saw his feet. Sergei was born with bi-lateral clubfeet, meaning both of his feet turned in severely toward each other. This photo showed Sergei at about 2 ½ years old and he was unable to stand or walk by himself. I have never known very much about clubfoot, but I did know that it is treated, during infancy, on a routine basis, and if this kid were born to different circumstances he would probably be walking and running just like the other kids.
My initial focus was to get Sergei medical attention in the US, hoping to be able to bring him over on a medical visa with myself as the legal guardian during his treatment. After some searching, I learned of the Shriners Children's Hospitals and their work with children with orthopedic problems, including clubfeet. After numerous contacts with them I successfully got Sergei accepted as a patient. They would treat his clubfeet until the age of 18, should any further treatment be necessary. I had received a video that showed Sergei walking unassisted, not very well, but walking nevertheless. His latest medical record showed that he did have surgery on his feet. The doctors at Shriners were quite certain that he was ready for another surgery, hopefully his last. While I was trying to get the forms and information to bring this boy over here, I was also realizing that if I cared for Sergei for 6 months there was a very good chance that I would fall in love with him. For the record, I was not looking to adopt any child at that time.
I took the usual steps that I have my clients take when they are interested in a child; I called Dr. Bledsoe and set up a consultation for this little boy. I was aware that there was a limit to my resources and I had to make sure I could provide this child with what he needed. Dr. Bledsoe saw a child that was quite "healthy" in every way, aside from his orthopedic problem. Hearing this, I felt there was no decision to be made, Sergei was my boy and I was going to go get him.
I left for Vladikavkaz just 3 months later, arriving home with the cutest, happiest, sweetest boy imaginable. His adjustment was almost undetectable, he adapted to everything with a smile. Six weeks later he was in the hospital having his surgery, to be followed by 3 months of casts. This time could have been very difficult, but Sergei kept a smile on his face through the whole thing. In retrospect, I believe that this time was very good for our bonding. Sergei was totally dependent, unable to put any weight on his feet, so I was carrying him everywhere. He learned very quickly that he had a "mommy" that was going to be there for him day after day, taking care of his most basic needs.
We just returned from Washington DC, where we were able to reunite with the coordinator from his region, and where I was able to introduce this special boy to the rest of the Frank DC staff. All were amazed at Sergei's English and easy going personality. A trip to the Air and Space Museum has given Sergei the goal of wanting to be an astronaut. Sergei is now in kindergarten and doing great. He is receiving special attention with his language and with his physical needs, but all the teachers and doctors believe that it is just a matter of time before Sergei is just a regular kid. To those that know him better and myself, he will never be a regular kid. He will always be my special little "Russian Bear." My dad, Sergei's "Grampus," said it best when he looked at Sergei from across the yard and said, "He's a miracle."
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