Physical Health Colombia Project #4025

Give Prostheses to 35 Maimed Colombian War Victims

by United for Colombia

Give Prostheses to 35 Maimed Colombian War Victims

Project Report | Mar 20, 2019
2018, opening new doors of hope!

By Catalina Alvarez | Project Manager

Thanks to your support during 2018, 13 youth beneficiaries, all landmine and unexploded devices victims, now have new opportunities in life after receiving state-of-the-art orthopedic care!

United for Colombia commits on strengthening partnership with different donors to continue support of its rehabilitation program in Colombia. Through this program, severely wounded, maimed and disable civilians receive annual orthopedic care and rehabilitation, including technologically-advanced prosthetic devices every year.

These miracles give survivors their youth back, opening new doors of hope for a better and happier future.

Darley is 7 years old and lives in Sipi, Chocó, Colombia. During a fight between the Army and the ELN, when Darley was 3 years old, an explosive fell into his house. As a result of the injuries, his right leg had to be amputated above the knee.

Emilsen is 26 years old and lives in Pisba, Boyacá, Colombia. When she was 10, her brother brought an unexploded grenade into the house thinking that it was a toy. The grenade exploded causing the death of two of her family members, including her father.Since 2006, Emilsen is receiving treatment thanks to UFC.

Dairo is 28 years old and lives in Yarumal, Antioquia, Colombia. When she was 22, on his way home he stopped to take some wood for the stove. When he moved a branch of a tree activated a landmine.The explosion caused the loss of vision, mutilation of 4 fingers in his left hand and multiple injuries in his body.UFC provided an ocular prosthesis for his left eye.

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2018, opening new doors of hope (PDF)

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Dec 14, 2018
Have you ever crossed a finish line?

By Catalina Alvarez | Project Manager

Thanks for your support!

United for Colombia medical and comprehensive rehabilitation programs encompass orthopedic care, reconstructive surgeries, and psychological counseling. Once rehabilitated, we encourage our beneficiaries to pursue a sport to allow them to rebuild their path to a meaningful life with a purpose. Many of them become runners and hand cyclists. We are proud to even have a beneficiary on the Colombian Paralympic Team!

Through the generous donors in U.S. and Colombia that take part in our fundraising campaigns, we are able to sponsor high-endurance prosthesis, marathon registration/participation fees, sports equipment, travel, accommodations, and incidental costs for our admirable athletes who are living proof that a disability is not an obstacle for great triumph!

We are proud to share with you the stories of our last team participants in the past Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC last October.

Jorge O., 33 years old: At barely 19 years of age, he lost his right leg when he stepped on a landmine during a military operation. He trains daily to meet his goal of competing in 3 marathons each year even though his current prosthesis is not adequate for running and causes discomfort.

Fabio B., 40 years old: 13 years ago, this Navy seaman walked onto a hidden landmine causing it to detonate and destroy both his legs. Through our dedicated fundraising, United for Colombia helped him obtain top of the line Otto Bock prosthesis which gave him back his freedom.

Pierry R., 41 years old: When he was 18 years old and beginning his career as a police officer, he was involved in a bomb explosion activated by the guerilla organization, FARC. As a result, he suffered permanent spinal injuries and was paralyzed. Nevertheless, he found strength and motivation in sports. At the beginning of this year, he finished in 1st place at the Miami Half Marathon; Hand cycle category.

Jhon F., 30 years old: 6 years ago, this soldier sustained multiple injuries when a bomb exploded within a few yards from him. Both of his legs were amputated. He is one of our most outgoing beneficiaries with a prominent future in Hand cycle and his heart set on participating in the Paralympics.

Thanks for helping UFC in supporting over 100 of Colombia's once-wounded soldiers and civilians who are now ATHLETES with Victory on their mind!

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Sep 20, 2018
Disabilities only exist in our mind

By Catalina Alvarez | Project Manager

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