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Hope and Recovery series– Gevorg and Marina

15 July 2019
Photo of Gevorg and his sister Marina from our latest visit to Nagorno-Karabakh

Now in its 21st year, the Lady Cox Rehabilitation Centre continues to expand the array of services that it offers to patients of all ages. Physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and hydrotherapy are each available at the centre, which now employs 73 staff and treats over 1,000 patients a year.

Founder and Director of the Centre, Vardan Tadevosyan and his staff continue to break the stigma surrounding disability through exemplifying what can be achieved with training and commitment. The Centre has brought about transformational change to people with disabilities who would have otherwise been isolated and neglected.

This series aims to highlight the experiences of the staff and patients at the Lady Cox Rehabilitation Centre.

Gevorg and Marina’s (ages 22 & 17) experience at the centre:

(Interview with Gevorg’s sister, Marina)

He was born with it, it was visible straight away. Vardan found us, someone had told him about us in a faraway village – the local doctor did not refer Gevorg to the centre. We have only been coming here for 6 days so far. Me and my brother each take turns staying with him.

Gevorg has a radio at home and he can change the stations by himself… that is the only thing he can do by himself – he does this with a leg toy. Nobody taught him, he was alone most of the time and taught himself to use the radio with his feet because he was bored and wanted to listen to music. Otherwise, he needs support to do most things. He calls someone to help him use the toilet because at home our toilet is outside and a hole in the ground, so he cannot lift himself. He always calls one of his siblings to help him.

He really likes it here – his hands have changed in just 3 days here – he can open them for the first time (as shown in the picture above). We are trying to improve his hands to be totally mobile but it may not be possible. If he can’t, we will strengthen his feet ability.

How you can help support the Lady Cox Rehabilitation Centre

HART’s support is equally as crucial – as the centre’s only other source of financial. HART funds crucially cover additional staff costs and pay for day trips and summer/winter camps for patients. These outings are a critical feature of the centre’s efforts to integrate its patients into society, develop patient’s social skills and enhance their confidence and subsequent independence. Additionally, the occupational therapies offered at the Centre are only possible through HART funding.

Any amount of donation can go a long way at the rehabilitation centre. For example, a donation of £20 pounds can purchase a pair of crutches for a child with cerebral palsy!

If you wish to donate, Please visit the HART website and put s reference to ‘The Rehab Centre’

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