This summer, a very special little girl and her brother participated in a program to help medically special needs children get the help they need.

A team of Dallas ophthalmologists donated corrective eye surgery to a Russian orphan visiting Dallas as part of the Buckner Orphan Care International (BOCI) Angels from Abroad host program.

While in Dallas, ten-year-old Kristina underwent surgery to correct strabismus, an optic muscle malady that causes the eyes to appear crossed or imbalanced.

With her surgery complete, Kristina has a new outlook on life and she and her eleven-year-old brother, Dima are setting their sights and their hopes on a family to call their own.

Dr. David Stager Sr., a partner at Pediatric Ophthalmology, P.A., and The Center for Adult Strabismus, explained, “So much of what we communicate with is our eyes. Being unable to maintain good eye contact gets to be a major handicap and social problem in children with strabismus as they grow up. We need to give the best that this country has to offer these children.” Adding that he has an adopted daughter, now 39.

Becky and Reggie Boles of Dallas hosted Kristina and Dima when the siblings visited the U.S. as part of the orphan host program this summer. They shared that Kristina is a very happy child, communicative, hardworking, caring and loving. They describe Dima as quiet, patient and stable. He likes to collect things and enjoys being around other children. Both children love animals.

Last year, the Boles hosted another orphan girl, Olga, who underwent corrective eye surgery for strabismus. The Boles have kept in touch with Olga and are pleased to hear that she has a family in the process of adopting her. They are prayerful for an adoptive family for Kristina and Dima as well.

Perhaps this special sibling set will touch your heart or perhaps you may know of a family searching for a kind and loving brother/sister set to join their family.

For more information on these and other waiting children. Please visit www.bucknerinternationaladoption.org or contact Tiffany Taylor, at (469) 877-4493 or ttaylor@buckner.org.