A BIG Step for a Little Girl

Post by Nancy Besa

Photos by Peter Obetz

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Dr. Ganesh Gupta explained it to me this way: "Some experiences transcend culture. Wherever you go in the world, people react the same way to certain experiences. When a baby is born there are three questions that are usually asked, 'Is it a boy or a girl?' 'Is mom okay?' 'Does the baby have 10 fingers and 10 toes?' Here it is no different." In the case of six-year-old Yohanina Martez de Sanchez the answer to question number three was, "No."  Yohanina was born with a sixth toe on her left foot - a  congenital anomaly referred to as postaxial polydactyly. In the United States a condition like this would be surgically corrected by an orthopedic surgeon, like Dr. Gupta, when the child was about one year-old - well before it could affect their ability to walk. But when you live in Guatemala and your family makes less than 40 Quetzals or $5.00 a day, that doesn't happen.

As Yohanina grew her condition became increasingly painful and made  it extremely difficult for her to wear shoes. This is a huge problem for people whose only mode of transportation is walking. Her mother knew that the only way to get relief for her daughter was to come see one of the MMF doctors. All patients seen during our six days at the Obras receive their medical examinations, surgical procedures, pre and post  operative care (this can be up to 10 days) and medicines free of charge. When Yohanina and her mother came into clinic on Sunday, Dr. Gupta took great time and care to explain to her mother exactly what he would be doing in surgery. He assured her that her daughter would not only be okay, but so much better after the procedure. For any mother, anywhere, sending your child into surgery is a scary situation. When you lack education, resources and your doctor is a stranger, I imagine it is even more scary. Today was the big day, and as promised, the one-hour surgery went smoothly. Her mother gave a big sigh of relief  and a very warm and heartfelt "muchas gracias" to Drs. Simpson and Gupta when they delivered the good news. Yohanina will spend tonight at the Obras where she will be under the watchful eyes of the Obras nursing staff and the MMF doctor on call. If all goes well tomorrow she and her mother will be transferred across town to Case de Fe - a wonderful facility very similar to what we know as a Ronald McDonald House in the US.