ISTAS from European Union

Istas was born in February 2019 at 26 weeks gestation, weighing 630 grams. After 5 months in the hospital, she was placed into a large orphanage where she continues to live now. Istas has been diagnosed with a congenital anomaly of the central nervous system - post-hemorrhagic internal hydrocephalus assessed as inoperable - accompanied by a seizure syndrome without successful medical control, specific disorders in the development of the motor function, and impaired thermoregulation. She functions at the level of a newborn child. Update August 2022: Istas remains in extremely fragile condition and a family considering her adoption should note that special accommodations may be necessary for her to safely travel to another country. Istas responds well to auditory stimuli and also reacts to bright lights. She recognizes familiar adults by voice and shows a variety of facial expressions when someone speaks to her. Istas moves her hands and arms and continues to enjoy music. Istas’ birth parents visit from time to time and are pained over her condition. They have given their consent for Istas to be adopted. 2021: Istas requires around the clock care from others. While she can move her upper limbs, she is forced to remain lying down due to the size of her head which is periodically inflamed with ulcers. Istas is fed via nasogastric tube. It is difficult to assess Istas’ ability to see and hear. She does not interact a lot with the world around her but is soothed by music and may smile when offered direct contact by an adult.