Alex gets his hip "fixed"

Alex (age 10 in this 9/98 photo, left) prepares to say good-bye to his mother and sister for 4 months. Alex traveled to America with the Conklins for "acclimation" and surgery preparation. His father joined him the day before surgery. Alex returned home in January, 1999...walking gingerly with a newly formed hip. Alex must return to Portland in winter of 1999 for pin removal. He reports that he is 'walking much better, and doing a good job at his therapy'.

Alex had a congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH) that needed surgery and rehabilitation. Such surgery is not available in Romania. All medical care for this child's restoration was provided at no charge by the Shrine Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Photographed here with his father, Alex enjoyed many special activities at the Shrine Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.

In the photo below, Alex and his father visit in the Portland Shrine Hospital with a member of the ABATE motorcycle club, during their annual trek to support the Shrine Hospital. Hundreds of individuals and groups assist the Hospital in the Shriners' generous efforts to "fix" kids.