Help for Ukrainian Child

Re “Boy Going Home on His Own New Feet,” March 30.

Thank you on behalf of Dima Korovin, orphan from Ukraine.

I has been said that it takes a village to raise a child. The “village” we usually call the Conejo Valley has demonstrated that philosophy in a special way.

When Dima Korovin first came to the attention of Nita Hanson, a missionary from Emmanuel Presbyterian Church of Thousand Oaks, he was just a baby born with insufficient legs. God persuaded Nita to assist this baby. Now Dima is close to 3 and is walking with the assistance of prosthetic legs. He’s also being adopted by a loving family in Oregon.

How did this miracle come to pass?

Through the efforts of many residents of this area. Nita Hanson asked her church to pray as she began the process of seeking help for Dima.

The first response came from Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. It agreed to provide medical assistance and prostheses for Dima. Then Sherry Shaffer, a member of Emmanuel, volunteered to be Dima’s foster grandmother. After many months of prayer and paperwork, Dima finally came to Thousand Oaks about six months ago.

Larry Horner of Congressman Brad Sherman’s Thousand Oaks office assisted with moving the paperwork along. His guidance and assistance continue to be invaluable. The Conejo Valley Rotary Club stepped up to assist with transportation costs, as did many church members and friends.

As a member of the Emmanuel family and this village we call Conejo, I wish to extend an enormous thank you to everyone who helped Dima.

Dima walked up the center aisle of the church with Sherry and said, “Thank you!” to the congregation. As he grows and matures, Dima will appreciate more and more this experience of love poured out upon him.

There are other orphan children in Ukraine, as well as America and other nations waiting for such love. May they find it.

DIANE DALLEY VENABLE

Thousand Oaks