Imagine travelling for hours to the clinic in los Vergeles for help for your child. You six-year-old little boy was born with cataracts along with other physical and medical challenges and exhibits some autistic-like behavior. He needs intraocular lenses to be able to see just a little. He needs general anesthesia. He needs a pediatric ophthalmologist. And, no matter if we are able or not, every single family shares their gratefulness and blessings for coming to their country.
And now the happy stories…envision either one, two, or three days of minimal sleep and then beginning surgeries in the very late afternoon; completing two knee replacements, one burn graft and a cleft revision at the hospital on Wednesday and 25 cataract surgeries in two-ish days at the clinic.
The mami and papi knee replacement patients haven’t disappointed us. There must be something in the water in Ecuador, because everyone who has had the surgery today and in the past is incredibly resilient, compliant, and anxious to begin therapy not even 24 hours after surgery. You never hear a peep or complaint. So very impressive to see.
