Humanitarian Foundation BUDI HUMAN - Aleksandar Šapić

raises funds for Jelena Grujić (2001).

Jelena was born on  27 December 2001 as the second child from a regular pregnancy. At birth, there was a  hemorrhage in the brain and a lack of oxygen. Due to muscle hypotonia and suspected Down syndrome, Jelena was sent  to the Institute for Mother and Child, where a karyotype did not show any abnormalities. A lot of analysis and testing had been done without any diagnosis with recommendations for going to regular check ups at the Baby Counseling Center.

After 6 months, parents noticed that Jelena cannot sit and insisted on rehabilitation program at the Clinical Center in Niš, where she was eventually diagnosed with Cerebral palsy. In the following years there were a series of various diseases and conditions diagnosis. Her eyesight was damaged (she has horizontal nystagmus). Soon after the struggle with epileptic seizures began so she took various medications, different therapies, but the seizures were persistent and frequent. There were times when she had up to 30 seizures during the day, she was literally struggling for the air to breath in. Nowadays there are 3 to 4 in a week and doctors are still putting all efforts to find an adequate therapy. Because of the strong medication she has a problem with her blood count, she has thrombocytopenia (very few blood platelets). Jelena also has a problem with chewing and swallowing, so she only takes  liquid food and uses various vitamins and supplements. She can sit, but due to her sudden height and weight increase at puberty, her spine began to curve(she both has scoliosis and kyphosis) and carry a corrective spine orthoses. She can make a few steps with the help of the others. Jelena has a retardation of psychomotor skills, she has a delay in development to a great extent and although she knows a lot, it is difficult for her to express it. She does not speak but she communicates mainly by movements and facial expressions.

Jelena is always smiling, sweet little girl. She demands a lot of care, attention and presence, especially because of the epileptic seizures. She recognizes all family members and plays with them in different ways (hugs, kisses, caresses). She adores her brother who is 5 years older and can't wait for him to get back from college. She loves walking in the countryside, staying in the open air in the yard. She loves children and she looks forward to them. She likes to listen to music (music for kids and adults) and to produce sounds herself on the synthesizer by pressing the keyboard. She plays with toys that are vibrant in color and that emit sounds. He likes to rip paper and tear it into the tiniest of pieces. It makes her happy. Still, she loves company of other people, talking and paying attention to her.

Jelena was recommended by doctors that she should purchase the walker in order to strengthen the muscles and correct the spine, they also recommend further rehabilitation in spa conditions and daily physical therapy. She needs vitamins and supplements to improve her diet. She can make much more progress, but for that, Jelena's mother, who is a single parent, needs other people's help.

For Jelena's better future.

Let's help Jelena!