Teenagers from Romania flew to Phoenix for surgery to correct the rare condition
15-year-old Stefan Pascu was confronted with the possibility of complete paralysis. His condition affects only 20 in a million people. The condition caused bleeding and left half of Stefan’s body weak.
PHOENIX – – A teenager facing the possibility of total paralysis underwent life-changing surgery at the Barrow Neurological Institute.
The teenager, 15-year-old Stefan Pascu, came from Eastern European Romania for the delicate operation. After the operation, Stefan smiles.
In March, Stefan flew to Phoenix with his family to seek help cure a rare disease that affects only 20 out of a million people.
Dr. Michael Lawton, President and CEO of Barrow, described the condition Stefan suffered.
“Abnormal arteries that connected to the veins and had basically taken over his spinal cord and cervical spine,” said Dr. Lawton.
The condition caused bleeding and left half of Stefan’s body weak. Stefan underwent two operations that lasted about 10 hours. The operations were ultimately successful.
“I was relieved that someone finally said it could be removed because none of the doctors I went to said it was possible to remove it surgically. Everyone said it couldn’t be done,” said Stefan.
“He’s a great kid,” said Dr. Lawton. “He worked hard. We have great therapists doing physical therapy and exercises and all sorts of things that strengthen his hand and arm.”
Therapy includes time in the pool and even the use of an exoskeleton to support Stefan’s body as it gains strength.
“I feel a lot better every day,” said Stefan.
Stefan’s parents are relieved and want other people facing medical challenges never to give up hope.
“The last five years have been hell and we’ve been looking for solutions every day and now it’s wonderful,” said Stefan’s mother Marlena Pascu.
“Do not lose hope, and everyone should hope to recover one day and fight for their lives and become spiritually strong, and not forego this disease,” said Stefan’s father Christian Pascu.
“We like to review some of these complex cases that others think are hopeless and we can often find solutions, and the fact that Stefan found us all the way in Romania and was able to travel all the way to Phoenix in the middle of a pandemic I think that really speaks to the fact that things are reopening and centers of excellence like the Barrow are above each other and we want people to know we are here, “said Dr. Lawton.
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