He developed pneumonia in both lungs and was sent back to the hospital, where doctors pumped antibiotics and fluids into his body. After two weeks, Igor miraculously recovered from the deadly illness, and returned to Sludianka even thinner than before. Already weak from his battle with pneumonia, Igor quickly succumbed to the infection. Too weak to drink from a bottle, he was fed through tubes. During an assessment of Russian orphanages to receive possible assistance as part of a major food program, the American Red Cross and Russian Red Cross recognized the urgent need at Sludianka.
Many disabled orphans spend much of their days in cribs.
The orphanage was among 11 that the Red Cross identified in Moscow and eastern Siberia to receive food distributions of fruits, vegetables, dairy products and meats. The program, which began in April 1999, was first made possible by a donation from the Indy Racing League, and CHS Cares, a nonprofit organization established by technology company CHS Electronics. This year, a contribution from an anonymous donor allowed the program to continue. Depending on their needs, orphanages have also received medications, vitamins, winter clothes and footwear, while others have received toys, funding for building repairs, furniture or school supplies. As a result of the Red Cross program, Sludianka was able, for the first time, to give Igor the special formula he needed.