Orthopedics - April 25, 2016

Today, Lilit visited a wonderful pediatric orthopedist in Yerevan.  He studied her case and asked for Lilit to get new X-rays before he will make a decision on how to proceed with her hip.  X-rays will be done on Wednesday and then we should know more soon.

Lilit continues with her language lessons and as of tomorrow will also be receiving tutoring in math.

When Siranoush visits her, Lilit is lively and asks, one by one, about her beloved friends in America.  She wants to know how everyone is doing and sends kisses to all.

Today, Lilit asked Siranoush to stay longer and read again all the cards and letters she had received while in the US.

Doing Fine - April 21, 2016

Lilit is doing well.  She is working hard in physical therapy and has an appointment next week with a pediatric orthopedist to discuss solutions for her hip.

 Lilit has English and Armenian lessons three times a week and will soon also receive math tutoring.  She is happy to be learning and proudly shows off her note books.

Recently, some of the children at Lilit's orphanage enjoyed a party and the performance of a clown.

Lilit sends lots of love to all of her friends in America - especially, as she made sure to point out, her Anjella (Ella).

Lilit Learning - April 12, 2016

Lilit is doing well and spending time each day studying with her tutor.  Here's a little video from one of her lessons.

For a video of Lilit on her final day in the US, please go here (hope this works):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsAgzkVLAuM&feature=em-share_video_user

Lilit's Welcome Back - April 5 & 6, 2016

Lilit had a big welcome in Armenia.  The photos tell the story.

At the airport in Yerevan

Decorations and gifts at the orphanage

A celebratory meal with her group

With Siranoush

Unpacking

A Note from Siranoush:

Lilit was sad to leave America, missing everybody who took such a good care of her from the first day till the day of her departure.  She became a friend or a family member for everyone. 

Our cordial thanks to every single person - surgeons,  doctors, medical staff, visitors, friends, unknown people, the SOAR community - having such an important place in the life and heart of Lilit.  THANK YOU!!!

Best,

Siranoush

Home - April 5, 2016

Lilit is home.  We miss her already.

Going Home - April 3 & 4, 2016

Lilit is on her way home to Armenia.  She leaves as happy as she came, but in much better health. For the next five months, Lilit will continue to have physical therapy in Yerevan along with private lessons in English and Armenian.  Hopefully she will be ready to enroll in school in September.

SOAR is eternally grateful to all who helped Lilit over the last three months, including Siranoush and Hripsime who spent extended periods away from their own families to care for Lilit, her medical team at Mt. Sinai, her rehab team at RUSK, those who sent their love via cards and presents in the mail, those who donated to her Go Fund Me, and the people who visited her while she was in-patient to brighten her days.

Maybe the letter that Ella wrote to Lilit at school says it best for today:

Lilit, I am sad that you are leaving today.  

I hope you will be okay on the plane.  

It is okay to be a little sad, but you will be fine. 

Love, Ella

A Day Out - April 2, 2016

Lilit had a well-deserved and fun day in New York City today with some of her new friends.

Starbucks

Taxi ride

The Gazillion Bubble Show

Before bedtime, Ella and Lilit had their last phone call.  They promised to write, Skype, and see each other again soon.  Many "I love you's" went back and forth before hanging up and, at least on Ella's end, there were some tears after the call closed.

Discharged - April 1, 2016

Lilit has left the rehab facility and is spending a big weekend in New York.  She said goodbye to her wonderful nurses and therapists who sent her on her way with many presents, "Good-bye, Rusk.  Love you so much."