Center gives hope to Russian parents

"We hope to improve the condition of more patients through quality treatment at our center."

Mariia was seen as an ideal candidate for the job of communicating with Russian speakers.

The center provided her with her own office, and when she is not looking after her son, she spends most of her time at the center.

Through the internet, she introduces the center to Russians who want to learn more about it and sends invitations to those who want to receive treatment at the center.

Kilian became a translator and guide for Russians arriving in Harbin for treatment at the center. She is now a popular figure with Chinese and Russian children at the center.

For Lin Lin, a 7-year-old Chinese patient, what he enjoys most is talking with his Russian "aunt".

Every day, Kilian takes some time to chat with Lin and accompany him during his rehabilitation training.

"Lin Lin can now walk several steps independently and it makes me feel happy when he wants to hug me," Kilian said, smiling.

In order to keep the children in high spirits, Mariia often plays games with them and introduces traditional Western festivals to them.

"At Easter, Kilian brought her hand-painted Easter eggs to the center, and the children loved them," Liu said.

Every time Mariia goes back to Russia for visa purposes, she always buys orthopedic shoes for the Chinese children at the center, as their parents are unable to find them in China.

"It is not difficult for me to go shopping, but it is important for those children who need the shoes to help them stand up," she said.

"Maybe I will live in Harbin for the rest of my life, despite feeling homesick.

"The center has helped me enormously and given me great hope for my son's rehabilitation. I love the city and so does my son - I just want to give him the life he wants."