Help Lithuanian Kids in their Battle with Cancer

                                     Little Gustukas

Without realizing it, summer has sprung up, where everywhere already smells of autumn, nature pulsates with autumn coolness in the mornings, the heart and the corners of the soul are caressed and delighted by the autumnal natural landscapes, and we returned from the 38th Gusto's eye check-up visit with autumnally warm news - a record lasting more than 11 months the "sleep" period of the old foci of the tumor mass (located inside the yellow spots of the eyes), no new foci of the tumor were detected, no treatment procedures were applied. Gustuk's mother Ugne makes us happy with such news
It was possible to carry out fundus examinations (ophthalmoscopy) and photography, but to refuse narcosis (in order to reduce the side effects of narcosis on the body) until Gust turns four years old and to rely only on the results of ophthalmoscopy and optometric tests, according to the doctors, is too risky for now. During each visit, an attempt will be made to become better "friends" with the devices required for performing ophthalmoscopy, so that Gust acquires as many practical skills as possible, especially being able to maintain attention and look in different directions when visualizing the peripheral parts of the fundus of the eye. We hope that after Gust gains practical experience, the results of ophthalmoscopy examinations will not cause doubts for doctors and in the long run it will be possible to avoid narcosis.
This time, after recovering from anesthesia, regaining consciousness and vital functions, when we could safely leave the premises of Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Gust decided to walk to the metro station, holding his hand. After walking a few steps (there is more than one tactile guideway leading from/to the hospital, consisting of white raised guide strips and warning points, intended for people with visual impairments to better orient themselves in the outdoor space, not to lose their way and to protect themselves from the many obstacles on the way) we saw in front of us a grown-up child walking along the guideway, one hand holding a white cane and touching the path, the other holding on to what is probably his mother's hand.
Grief gripped my heart to the depths, unconsciously I squeezed Gust's hand harder. The inexhaustible feeling of gratitude, respect and the realization that if it were not for the financial pool of noble-hearted people, which began more than 3.5 years ago, and the opportunity to access professional eye treatment procedures applied in Switzerland in cases of malignant retinal tumors, Gust could have been in that child's place. ..
It is not known how the twists and turns of health and life will turn out, but for today Gust walks, dances, is able to develop the skills of riding a scooter, a bicycle, can be a part of society, which is an intangible blessing. The next visit is scheduled for November at the beginning.