Ukrainian children brought to LI for medical care

Nadiya Borysenko, a 14-year-old Ukrainian orphan, hesitated to walk. Using a wheelchair because of cerebral palsy, Borysenko was visiting a Long Island physical therapist on a special medical visa arranged by a local nonprofit.

"It's really the simplest of therapies, but they're not receiving the care they need," said Bonnie O'Connell, a therapist in Huntington. "She could totally be a walker."

Borysenko slowly put one foot in front of the other until she was moving around the office with the help of a walker. With leg braces, Borysenko should learn to walk "beautifully," O'Connell said. She taught Borysenko exercises she can practice in the orphanage to develop her weakened muscles.

Borysenko's flight, housing and free medical treatment were organized by the Cold Spring Harbor-based Operation Hearts and Home, which has brought hundreds of Ukrainian and Ethiopian children to New York through volunteers since 2001. Thirteen children were selected by a charity in Kharkov for the current trip because of the seriousness of their medical conditions, said Susan Bies, the director of the Ukrainian hosting program. The children, ranging from ages 9 to 19, underwent eye surgery or were fitted for leg braces this week and will return home Wednesday.

While much of their time has been spent in doctors' offices, the children also had a chance to enjoy a vacation and to make lasting memories. They have been to the beach, a bowling alley and a pool party.

The rest of the time the kids stay at home, bonding with their host families. Many of the host families have decided to adopt a child or they pay for a child to return each summer. Since 2007, Bies has welcomed Alina Berdina, now 16, back to her Massapequa home every year. Berdina's sight improved after successful eye surgery, and she stays in contact with Bies' daughter regularly on Facebook.

On Wednesday morning, Borysenko and Berdina had breakfast at Bies' kitchen table. Most of the children spoke little to no English. Borysenko shook her head as Bies pulled out cereal boxes and English muffins, but nodded when she saw Cap'n Crunch.

After her many trips, Berdina knew some English. After a moment she said, "Happy. Very happy," and smiled.