Russia's Hungry Orphans Red Cross Helps Russia's Hungry Orphans Written by Stephanie Kriner , Staff Writer, RedCross.org As an infant, Victor Chuvashov was left at a Russian orphanage emaciated and unresponsive. By the time he was 2 years old, Victor still could neither walk nor talk. His unresponsiveness led orphanage workers to believe he was mentally retarded.
Victor suffers from rickets, a disease that stunts the development of malnourished children.
Many children at the orphanage in the eastern Siberian city of Sludyanka, have suffered from malnutrition, but Victor's case was particularly severe. Victor is recovering slowly from illness brought on by malnutrition. A year ago he began walking, and just three months ago he started talking. Orphanage workers credit the American Red Cross with the dramatic turnaround that may have saved Victor's life. The American Red Cross is supplying food to orphanages affected by Russia's struggling economy, through two separate programs.