Orphan baby boy born without eyes becomes part of loving family in time for Christmas
AN orphaned baby born with no eyes has found a loving new home for Christmas after his young mum abandoned him.
Little Alexander, also known as Sasha, has an exceptionally rare medical condition but is otherwise healthy.
There was interest from around the world in adopting the Russian boy when his plight was revealed two months ago.
Adoption officials in Tomsk today announced they have found a warm and loving family and he is already with them for Christmas.
“Little Sasha was taken into care by a Russian family from a different city,” a spokeswoman told the Siberian Times.
“We cannot reveal any more details about the family. We are, of course, very happy for baby Sasha and wishing him and his parents all the best.”
Sasha suffers from an extreme form of rare SOX2 anophthalmia syndrome and was born without eyeballs.
Only three such cases have been recorded in Russia and he will never be able to see unless there is a stunning medical breakthrough.
ABANDONED
The baby’s young birth mother learned about the rare and difficult disability when she was 31 weeks pregnant.
She felt that in her circumstances she would not be able to care for him.
In October, when he was put up for adoption, Tomsk doctor Tatiana Rudnikovich said the youngster “is doing well”.
“Sasha is going through all regular check-ups and tests like any other baby of his age,” she said.
His nurse from the orphanage where he went with him to St Petersburg to have tiny eye orbs implanted to ensure that his face does not grow deformed.
He will have new ones implanted every six months as he grows.
“He is no different to other children, he plays and smiles just like any healthy baby. He loves playing and adores swimming, he is a very cheerful baby indeed,” the nurse said.
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Sasha’s adoption page described him as “a peaceful, smiling baby” adding: “He smiles back as soon as he hears familiar voices.”
Svetlana Syrova, the journalist who revealed the story about Sasha, said it was “special Christmas magic” that led to the boy getting adoptive parents.
He will have sisters to play with in his new family and a summer dacha – country house, she said.
“Many thanks to all those who cared about the child’s fate,” she posted.