A unique orphan baby born with no eyes has a new loving home for Christmas, say childcare chiefs.
Smiling Alexander K – eight months old and known as Sasha – has an exceptionally rare medical condition but is otherwise healthy. There was interest from around the world in adopting the enchanting Russian boy when his plight was revealed two months ago.
Adoption officials in Tomsk on Wednesday announced they have found a warm and loving family in Russia and he is already with them for the festive period.
‘Little Sasha was taken into care by a Russian family from a different city,’ said a spokeswoman. It happened during the last month…. We cannot reveal any more details about the family.’
She told The Siberian Times: ‘We are, of course, very happy for baby Sasha and wishing him and his parents all the best.’
Svetlana Syrova, the journalist who revealed the story about Sasha, said it was ‘special Christmas magic’ that led to the boy getting adoptive parents.
‘He will have sisters to play with in his new family and a summer dacha – country house,’ she said. Many thanks to all those who cared about the child’s fate.’
The baby’s young birth mother learned about the rare and difficult disability when she was 31 weeks pregnant. She felt that in her circumstances she would not be able to care for him. Sasha suffers from an extreme form of rare SOX2 anophthalmia syndrome, and was born without eyeballs.
Only three such cases have been registered – and Russian doctors say he is otherwise ‘completely healthy’, making him unique. He will never be able to see unless there are stunning medical breakthroughs during his lifetime.
In October, when he was put up for adoption, Tomsk doctor Tatiana Rudnikovich said: ‘Sasha is going through all regular check ups and tests like any other baby of his age.
‘He is doing well.’
His nurse from the orphanage where he lived in Tomsk went with him to St Petersburg where tiny eye orbs were implanted to ensure that his face does not grow deformed.
He will have new ones implanted every six months as he grows.
‘He is no different to other children, he plays and smiles just like any healthy baby. He loves playing and adores swimming, he is a very cheerful baby indeed,’ the nurse said. Sasha’s adoption page described him as ‘a peaceful, smiling baby’. It read: ‘He smiles back as soon as he hears familiar voices.’
For Russians, the main festive celebration is at New Year when white-bearded Grandfather Frost delivers presents to children.
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