Sam Sokolinsky wrote -

Sergei Didukh was 20 years old. In 2001 he received a terrifying diagnosis: Ewing’s sarcoma of the lower third in his right thigh bone. He was treated in the oncology unit of the Russian’s Clinical Hospital in Moscow. In 2002, the treatment was completed but for 8 more years Sergei was regaining function in his leg. He underwent 15 surgeries: heart surgery, plastic surgery, and installation of endoprosthesis (bone replacement) among them. It seemed the terrible disease had been forgotten. Sergei left behind suffering from chemotherapy, multiple operations, anesthesia, and therapy with Elizarov’s device.

But bad fortune had a “gift” for Sergei for his 18th birthday: a metastasis in his left shoulder bone. All Sergei’s dreams collapsed: he had to postpone college plans and forget about his favorite hobby, playing a guitar. He started treatment again; this time, at Petrov’s Oncology Research Center in St. Petersburg.

July 2009 the doctors had been fighting for Sergei’s life, but the tumor did not retreated . On May 27, 2010, Sergei’s arm was amputated. And just one month later we received sad news: the endoprosthesis installed in 2002 was rejected by his body and doctors had to amputate his leg. Sergei recovered after the surgery but still needed two prosthetic limbs and a wheelchair to be able to move and take the trip to Moscow for initial consultation with a German prosthetic company, Otto Bock. The prostheses cost from 18,000 euros to 30,000 euros each depending on the complexity level.

Sergei and his mother lived in a small northern settlement and had no one to support them: Sergei’s father had been absent from his live for 14 years now. Serge’s mother was not able to  keep a permanent job due to constant trips for treatment.

September 8, 2010: Sergei had a recurrence of Ewing’s sarcoma in his lungs.  Unfortunately, due to advanced stage of the disease, no further treatment was offered to Sergei in Russia.  He was moved to a hospice.

February 16, 2011:  Sergei passed away.

This is just one of the sad stories that many Cancer Patients in Russia and other former Soviet Republics share with Sergei. Please support this project to help Advita Fund USA raise money for other kids who need a chance at life that Sergei did not get.