 Vitoria
Rolls Away from Brazil Medical Mission
A sweet little girl with curly pigtails sat on her mother’s hip as she
peered at everyone in the waiting room. Vitoria was used to going to the doctor’s
office and being poked and prodded. Hopefully this time would be different. Her
mother Rosi was optimistic that OB Brazil’s team of doctors would be able
to give them an encouraging prognosis. Vitoria’s five surgeries had drained
the family’s finances, leaving them to worry about their daughter’s
future.
Vitória was born with spina bifida – a condition in which the spinal
column does not completely close. Vitoria underwent her first surgery when she
was only a couple of days old. The operation minimized the risk of infection and
preserved the existing function of the spinal cord. A little while later, she
underwent the second surgery. A shunt was put into her brain to relieve the build-up
of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The shunt became blocked and she had to go into
the operating room again.
Now in elementary school, Vitoria still can not walk. Her mother carries her
to school. Once there, Vitoria can not even get to the bathroom by herself. As
she grows, it becomes more and more difficult to get her around. They had signed
up to receive a wheelchair, but that was a year ago without any result. The family
survives on the equivalent of $97 every month; hardly enough for their basic needs.
Vitoria´s family lives in Brazil’s region of Nova Cumbica. This very
poor community is filled with houses made from cardboard and other similar materials.
In the midst of their poverty and bleak situation, Rosi took advantage of any
and every free opportunity that would help her daughter. Mother and daughter venture
out to intensive physical therapy sessions twice a week. Her doctor cays she will
not ever be able to walk without these visits.
When Rosi found out Operation Blessing was going to hold a free medical clinic
in the family’s community, she brought Vitoria for a consultation. They
had a surprise for her. Volunteers rolled out a wheelchair perfect for the little
patient’s small frame! Overjoyed, she said, “I’ll show my Grandma!”
Rosi could only cry tears of joy.
Vitória is one of hundreds of happy patients that have left an OB Brazil
sponsored medical mission in the last few months. They now really believe there
are loving and compassionate people around the world!
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your love; give a gift today
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