Dani & Tesfaye

Posted on by under Health, Memorial

Hola Kristiina,

We have finally agreed on a physiotherapy plan for Dani. Tesfaye, experienced physiotherapist in Addis, has presented us a draft with the hours he is going to spend with Dani. Four individual hours per week, plus one and half hours included in his regular visits to the orphanage, should be a good starting point for a consistent and regular physical practice. Dani is going to love it, as he is very receptive to exercise and company.
We are currently finalizing the operational aspects of the “physio plan” and although we do not have a time limit, it will be dependable on the next results presented by the Children Hospital at the Universitaetspital Basel, where a neuro-paediatric doctor has agreed to study Dani’s case.
So, Kristiina, as you can read we are steadily advancing, and once more, we must thank all the people engaged in bringing lots of smiles to Dani’s face.

 

Dani and friends

Dani and friends

 

Dani & Dandy

Posted on by under Health, Memorial

Hola Kristiina,

We have got further reports on Dani’s syndrome, which probably dates back to a possible stroke he suffered during his early days or even while in his mother’s womb. One of its effects is hemiplegia, which developed after an atrophy in the right side of his brain, due to a lack of blood irrigation throughout the years. This made a vacuous on the right side that has been gradually filled with brain fluid. The fluid is pressuring the left side of the brain and slowly harming this side too. The hydrocephalia could be attenuated through neuro-surgery with a shunt, although the risk of fatal brain infection is rather high, especially with Dani’s living conditions.

With such prospects, Kristiina, we are going to look for possible clinical solutions out of Ethiopia. As well, we would like to improve Dani’s living conditions by establishing a consistent amount of regular physiotherapy sessions and search for educational opportunities, that could provide him with some future independence.

Kristiina, as you can read Dani has to learn to live with “Dandy” and we believe we can support him in this endeavour.

 

Dani

Dani

*We would like to thank the Black Lion and Bethel Teaching General hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

With A Big Help of Our Friends

Posted on by under Health

Hola Kristiina, Easter time has arrived and trees are blooming all around since a few weeks in most parts of Europe, and the “small” rainy season must have started in Ethiopia. I hope the rain does not stop Dani from going out of his ward to enjoy a few moments with his mates in the playground. I am sure he is having the support of some volunteers and they are all playing together, while the little ones hang from his wheel chair and speed circling the football court. That would definitely make Dani’s day. Meanwhile, we keep doing well in Europe, and many more of your and my families, friends, colleagues and ex-colleagues, peers, acquaintances, and even unknown people touched by the project provide support. Among them Jose Luis and Yolanda, Irja, Emilio, Mima, Patricia, Dacio, Rene, Sergio, Amelie, and Julian, Tea and Carmine, Rossana, Ruth Elisabeth, Juliane, Carlos, and Mateo, Sahar, Monica, Matthew, Stina, Tanis, Linda, Päivi, Melanie and family, Giorgia and Veljko, Isabelle, Leila, Vera-Maria, Matthias and Andrea, Giorgio, Eloy, Eija, Liisa, Ville and Outi, Titta, Laura and Markus, De Stefanis International, Hilkka, Tuomo and Sirkka, Hannu and Kali, Terhi, Jaakko, Reima, Arja, Petri and Viljami, Laura, Viivi, Anna and Eva, Laura, WFP colleagues in Copenhagen, Vikke, Tiina and Tatu, Pohjan Veikot, Kaj, Stefan and Mirja, Kulkijat, Pia, familia Sanjurjo, Prof. Hagemann, Maria, Maria, Riitta and Antti, Antti and family, Kaarina and Mick, Teuvo, Tanja, Nadja and Noora, BJ, Sirpa and Sofi, Marie, Rebeca, Carlo and Chiara, Helena and Hannu, Helena and Matti, Anne, Anna-Riitta, Maija and Kimmo, Annukka, Annikki and Veijo, Isabelle, Susanna, Tiina and Timo, YMCA Oulu, Anna ja Petri, Kaisa and family, Yobdar, Hannu and Pirjo, Anna-Kaisa, Kalle and Aapo, Irja and Teuvo, Helinä and Pekka, Riikka and family, Birgitta and Panu, Nathalie and Umberto, Manuel and Regula, Veera, Markku and Soile, cousin Elina and her family, Eeva-Maria and Kimmo, Ullamaija and Kaarle, Inma and Miquel, Pauliina, Atte, Marianne, Henrietta and Klaus, Aira and Seppo, Auli, Risto and families of cousins, Leena, Pentti and families of cousins, Veera, Jessica, Andres and Mercedes, Marta, Rafael, and Mariaana and Veltsu. Pupu, I am learning these days how much the ones who knew you cared, and that makes me happy. IMG_4221

The Warka Tree

Posted on by under Health, Memorial

Hola Kristiina,

I was thinking about our first trip in Ethiopia, now a year ago. We arrived to Aksum, expecting to find reminiscences of an ancient civilization. Instead we enjoyed our time under the immense Warka tree in downtown, chatting with the local kids, and watching the goats acrobatically reach the lower branches to eat its leaves.

My memories brought me back to Dani, and I would like to explain you his progress on behalf of our friends in Addis, who are tirelessly looking for his well being. So I take the liberty to quote their lines:

“Last week, (the)(…) occupational therapist went to see Dani. She gave practical advices to the staff of the orphanage in order to allow Dani to become more independent, like for example letting him dress himself. They were very receptive and Dani is cooperative. She also told them to make him wear shoes so that his good foot doesn’t get more deformed. (…). The regular visit of a physio is very important for Dani (…). It is important to maintain and work on what Dani can do in his actual condition and only a physio can help regarding his physical disability. The occupational therapist can advise the physio and the caretakers but cannot do the job of a physiotherapist.”

In addition to this, Kristiina, our friends keep looking for a neurologist that could see Dani, and all of us, in different countries, are looking for similar possibilities.

But now, Pupu, I will keep responding to the numerous people who are helping Dani, while I enjoy our Warka tree memories.

Dani and his friends in the playground

Dani and his friends in the playground

With a Little Help of Our Friends

Posted on by under Health, Memorial

Hola Kristiina,

It is a beautiful sunny day in here, and I am confident you have sent this wonder to us. Dani had a great drive on Friday, when he visited the Korean Hospital. He was cheerful and excited, as I thought it was going to be. He laughed and shared his “shark-charm” to his car mates and people in the hospital.

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Shark-charm

However, and that kept us kind of baffled, there was not much information we could get from Dani’s visit to Dr. Marsha. Apparently the doctor needed background information regarding Dani’s mother pregnancy and his early life. Unfortunately, it is unlikely to obtain this information as Dani arrived to Sele Enat Mahiber from another orphanage and there are no records available.

We have been brainstorming during the weekend and came up with different curative ideas. We could provide for physiotherapy, for diction therapy, for orthopaedic support, and even for education, as Dani has not attended yet school. But none of us is a health professional and do not know well if it is going to help to a high degree. Nevertheless, we think it is not going to harm, as I have personally experienced his physical progress during my time with him, so we agreed to start helping Dani with physiotherapy and a consultation by an occupational therapist.

Therefore, Kristiina, we will keep looking for a doctor who could treat Dani and reportedly agree on what his medical problem is.

Regarding Dr. Kiplesund, the neurologist you managed to find with your tireless networking, I have to say that I did not get any reply to my emails. But I am confident he did not learn about them, probably due to some technical problems or electronic address misspell. But I am confident as well that publishing this lines will, somehow, reach him. We are hopeful in this, and we are grateful for any support from people who could help finding a doctor for Dani.

Kristiina, do not think we got disappointed by the last event. As your mom says, we knew it was not only provide and raise money, but a common and dedicated effort towards Dani’s health improvement, and that will take time. We feel strong, and every step backward will only be to get impulse.

And now, Pupunen, enjoy with us Dani’s sunniness, the one that draws smiles from every person that crosses his path.

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Dani waits for the Doctor

Help is here!

Posted on by under Memorial

Hola Kristiina,

As remarked previously, “help is on the way,” yes! Nathalie and her husband have found a doctor willing to take Dani for medical consultation. Dr. Marsha has kindly agreed to see him. That will be on Friday, March 28, in the Korean Hospital. Hanna will go along with Dani and Nathalie, and we are all hopeful.

I have been lately thinking about Dani, and our long walks from the Special Needs rooms at the orphanage to the Babies pavilion. I remember the many times Dani greeted and cheered other kids and staff during our walks, screaming of happiness, sometimes, and laughing and singing others. I can only imagine how blissful he will feel once he learns that he is going out on Friday, for a drive with Hanna and Nathalie. I would love to see his face.

Kristiina, there are still people supporting in different ways to Dani’s cure. Many of them relatives, friends, and colleagues, but some are just people touched by the intention of this assistance. They express the joy they feel while learning about Dani, and they engage emotionally in the aid. Some have told me their stories about their sick kids, and have asked me whether their disease is Dandy-Walker syndrome. To which, I can only explain what I learned. Some others have asked what else can they do to support, in addition to the financial contribution. I cannot really say much if they are not physically in Addis, but I suggested them to spread awareness about Dandy-Walker syndrome, and perhaps share this story, the story of the many of us engaged in curing Dani.

Pupunen, I will leave you for now, because I know there are many important people there who want to meet you, and I will keep you posted about Dani’s prognosis on Friday.

Help is here!

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Super Dani

Good morning, Kristiina

Posted on by under Memorial

Hola Kristiina,

Forgive my delay, but as you say, I have been kind of busy the last month. I have met many good hearted, caring, and loving people, from your ample family and friends. Many of them unknown to me, some others known by your continual references. They have all shared their warmth with me, with my mom, and even with Chiara.

     But I want to update you about our progress with Dani. He is fine, playing drum with one stick and singing, as usual. Anne has emailed me the picture below, where he plays with little Dani, as well cheerful.

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Two Daniels

     Well, you knew that the orphanage had sent Dani for an MRI, and that doctor said that his clinical condition is Dandy-Walker syndrome. You knew as well that Hanna had gathered his clinical history and that some of your colleagues were networking to find a neurologist in Addis who would want to take over Dani’s case. So here’s where the news come:

Nathalie and her husband, Umberto, are further looking for neurologists. They have kindly contacted two of them, and we are waiting for their responses, although a birdie told me that help is on the way. As you know, this is not an easy task in Ethiopia, but they are highly supportive. We thank them so much. At the same time, I keep contacting the neurologist advised by your contacts and I am confident to get his response.

     On the orphanage side, Regula and Anne keep volunteering and they update me regularly with news about Dani. Hanna is in the loop, as well as the senior staff. They have kindly approved our wish. Your friends in Addis have showed interest to visit the orphanage, and perhaps drop a hand sometimes. This is very kind of them.

     As you can see, we are not alone in this. In addition to the help provided by the family and friends mentioned above, there is an immense number of people who are financially supporting, among them Jose Luis and Yolanda, Irja, Emilio, Mima, Patricia, Dacio, Rene, Sergio, Amelie, and Julian, Tea and Carmine, Rossana, Ruth Elisabeth, Juliane, Carlos, and Mateo, Sahar, Monica, Matthew, Stina, Tanis, Linda, Päivi, Melanie, Giorgia and Veljko, Isabelle, Leila, Vera-Maria, Matthias and Andrea, Giorgio, Eloy, Eija, Liisa, Ville and Outi, Titta, Laura and Markus, Hilkka, Tuomo and Sirkka, Hannu and Kali, Terhi, Jaakko, Reima, Arja, Petri and Viljami, Laura, Viivi, Anna and Eva, Laura, WFP colleagues in Copenhagen, Vikke, Tiina and Tatu, Pohjan Veikot, Kaj, Stefan and Mirja, Kulkijat, Pia, Familia Sanjurjo, Prof. Hagemann, Maria, Maria, Riitta and Antti, Antti and family, Kaarina and Mick, Teuvo, Tanja, Nadja and Noora, BJ, Sirpa and Sofi, Marie, Rebeca, Carlo and Chiara, Helena and Hannu, Helena and Matti, Anne, Anna-Riitta, Maija and Kimmo, Annukka, Annikki and Veijo, Isabelle, Susanna, Tiina and Timo, YMCA Oulu, Anna ja Petri, Kaisa and family, Yobdar, Hannu and Pirjo, Anna-Kaisa, Kalle and Aapo, Irja and Teuvo, Helinä and Pekka, Riikka and family, Birgitta and Panu, Chiara, Manuel and Regula, Veera, Markku and Soile, cousin Elina and her family, Eeva-Maria and Kimmo, Ullamaija and Kaarle, Inma and Miquel, Pauliina, Atte, Marianne, Henrietta and Klaus, Aira and Seppo, Auli, Risto and families of cousins, Leena, Pentti and families of cousins, Veera, Jessica, Andres and Mercedes, Marta, Rafael, and Mariaana and Veltsu. But this is not all, because support is still incoming.

    Kristiina, I would like to let you know that we do not forget about Izabelle, our travel mate, and Desta, our driver. Please tell them that our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Talk to you soon, Pupunen.

Roberto

A LIFE LOST, ANOTHER MUST BLOOM

Posted on by under Memorial

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Kristiina Juutinen passed away on February 15, 2014 in a tragic accident in the Danakhil Depresion, Ethiopia. She was a brave and dedicated expectant mother who committed part of her life to help alleviate the suffering of those in need. She volunteered and worked in places like Namibia, Zambia, Somaliland, Ethiopia, Nepal, Italy, and Finland. During her last period in Ethiopia she engaged in curing Daniel Abraham, an eight year old orphan at Sele Enat Mahiber affected by Dandy-Walker syndrome. She liaised with different doctors and aid workers to provide treatment and a potential surgery that would lead to Dani’s recovery.

The Juutinen Lisko and Santamarta Perez families are committed to continue her legacy setting the “Kristiina Juutinen Memorial Fund” in support for Daniel Abraham. They will not recover Kristiina to their lives physically, but wish to dedicate their energy to channel Dani into a healthy condition, from which he could grow and develop as a normal child.

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Daniel Abraham

The families humbly suggest to those who are willing to send flowers or condolence cards for Kristiina’s funeral to, instead, transfer its value into Kristiina Juutinen Memorial Fund. They would appreciate the support of any other donation for the same purpose. Donations can be transferred to:

We are grateful for the support received and will be implementing our project for the next few years.

For the moment we kindly ask to halt donations as the project is sufficiently funded. We will, therefore, concentrate in the implementation phase.

Dani’s health improvement is our utmost desire and focus.

 

Memorial Fund audit will be available to donors upon request.

Daniel Abraham’s surgical intervention and recovery process progress will be regularly posted in this blog, as well as operational requirements and request for potential support.