Oceanside Rotary Sponsors Gift of Life to Russian Toddler

Two-year-old Vladislav Jakimov was brought to the United States by his mother, Elena Petrenko from Smolensk, Russia through the generosity of the Rotary Gift of Life Program. Legislator Jeff Toback, the president of the Oceanside Rotary Club which sponsored the youngster, is pleased to report that the life-saving heart surgery at St. Francis Hospital on March 25 for little Vladislav was successful and that the little boy is recovering nicely. Vladislav was released on March 26 to continue recuperating at the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park. Once he is fully recovered he will return home to his grateful, ecstatic family in Russia. Pictured are Oceanside resident Elliot Liebner from the Gift of Life Program; Legislator Jeff Toback, Oceanside Rotary President; mom Elena Petrenko; and Dr. Sean Levchuck, Chairman of Pediatric Cardiology at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn. Little Vladislav is in the crib, recovering nicely from his surgery.