PRESS RELEASE
from the Texas Back Institute

MOLDOVAN VICTIM NOW WALKING,

RETURNS HOME TO HER FAMILY

Moldovan Sex Trafficking Victim Came to United States Paralyzed and Returned Home Walking Because of Surgery Performed at Texas Back Institute

PLANO, TEXAS – October 11, 2005 – A 20-year-old Moldovan woman who fell from a sixth story window while trying to escape her sex trafficking captors returned home after courageously undergoing several surgeries in the United States.  The woman (whose name is being withheld for privacy reasons) returned to Moldova walking after leaving six months ago completely paralyzed.

            The woman was kidnapped and left with a group of individuals who intended to sell her into forced prostitution.  In November 2004, she fell six stories while trying to escape her captors and suffered numerous life-threatening injuries including a fracture of the pelvis and spinal column, causing her to lose the use of her legs.

On April 27, 2005, a team of surgeons, led by Bart Sachs, M.D., MBA, reconstructive spine specialist at Texas Back Institute (TBI), completed a 12-hour surgery to repair the young woman’s shattered spine.  The surgery required the use of a spine stabilization system to fuse the broken portion of her spine back together.  The cost of the surgery, including costs for recovery, totaled more than $300,000.  These costs were covered through a special Patient Assistance Fund created by Texas Back Institute’s Research Foundation (TBIRF).

 “The woman is in great condition,” said Barton Sachs, M.D. MBA, reconstructive spine surgeon, Texas Back Institute Research Foundation President and lead physician on this case.  “She has regained full movement in her legs and is now walking.” 

            Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-Fort Worth) discovered the young woman while traveling in Albania, Greece, Italy and Moldova on a fact-finding delegation, where she was briefed on the sex trafficking issues targeting women and children.  While visiting a Moldovan medical facility, Granger met and was deeply moved by the story of the young woman.  In a move to save her, Granger sought the help of Texas Back Institute, who agreed to provide treatment at no charge to the patient.

            “Her recovery is tremendous, thanks to the care of the physicians here in the U.S.,” said Granger.  “Bringing her here allowed her to make the recovery she needed to move forward with her life in Moldova.”

            The victim arrived home on Friday, greeting and surprising her family by walking through the front door, something they thought would never be a possibility after the accident.

The Patient Assistance Fund is now accepting donations to help future patients.  The fund was created to help patients who are in desperate need of spine care services or surgery, but are not able to afford these services on their own.  The fund is supported by private donations and can operate only with the help of doctors who are willing to donate much of their time to serve these patients.  A toll-free number (888-783-1937) has been set up to accept donations.

Texas Back Institute

Texas Back Institute (TBI) is one of the largest freestanding spine specialty clinics in the United States. The Institute, based in Plano, Texas, was established in 1978 and provides comprehensive medical care for individuals with back and neck pain. TBI is a back care leader specializing in spinal arthroplasty minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal deformation and spinal oncology care. As an academic health care organization, TBI has trained hundreds of physicians, scientists and allied health professionals. Its research institution employs state-of-the-art technology and research to treat patients and is involved in the most clinical trials of artificial discs. TBI’s professional staff includes board-certified spine surgeons, general surgeons, internists, chiropractors, physiatrists, pain specialists, exercise physiologists and a team of physical and occupational therapists. Texas Back Institute’s main office is located in Plano, with offices in Denton, Fort Worth, Greenville, Garland, Hurst, Midland, TX and Phoenix, AZ. For more information, visit www.texasback.com.

Texas Back Institute Research Foundation 

Texas Back Institute Research Foundation (TBIRF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation dedicated to improving the care of patients with back and neck pain through research and education.  Research includes a wide variety of clinical studies primarily dealing with new technologies.  These studies result in numerous national and international presentations and publications.  The educational component includes the training of spine surgeons from across the country as well as international visitors.  TBIRF expansions include a state-of-the-art conference center with a hands-on training lab to instruct other physicians in surgical devices.  TBIRF’s national and international recognition continues as they strive to be a leader in improving spine care for patients.  To sponsor a patient, please call 888-783-1937.

MEDIA CONTACT
For more information, contact Meredith Falke, (214) 891-7795 meredith_falke@richards.com

Consumer phone number: 1-800-247-BACK