Hero Faces Multiple Surgeries and Inspires with Helpfulness

Nikolai was born in 2015 with bilateral club feet, and it was unknown prior to his birth. He went through weekly castings until his tenotomy at three months old. At five years old, his visit to the orthopedist revealed he needed four to six weeks of casting and then a major surgery on both feet. In February of2020 he had gotten casts put on. One week later they were removed and a new set was put on. His surgery in 2020 was canceled due to the COVID pandemic. Finally, in September 2021 he had a new surgery date and began weekly castings. He was not able to walk with the casts that were up to his thighs, so he used a wheelchair to get around. He visited the hospital every week to have the casts removed and a new set put on. He’s been so understanding and patient knowing the surgery will make him stronger! His recess as a first grader has been wheeling around on the pavement while friends played on the playscape for the past six weeks. “Nikolai is smart, motivated and so very brave,” said his Child Life Specialist Anne O’Gorman. “He has such a loving and caring heart.” He loves to learn at school, and is a big helper holding doors and helping to clean up at home and school. Since he has started talking, he’s made it very clear he will be a police officer or firefighter so he can help people every day!He was very interested in learning about his upcoming surgery. He was very educated on the procedure and what was taking place the day of the surgery. His bravery and attitude will never go unnoticed. Nikolai was nominated by his Child Life Specialist Anne O’Gorman at Shriners Hospital for Children–Springfield in Massachusetts. Kids Wish Network is honored to award him as a Hero.