High-tech prosthetics for 75 Guatemalan amputees

To our incredible supporters,

It is because of you that the Range Of Motion team in Ecuador was able to help individuals who were injured in the Ecuadorian earthquake in 2016. We would like to share a few of those stories here, as they have recently received their devices and are moving forward with their lives. 

BURGOS MIELES HOMERO ARNULFO actually lost his leg to diabetes in 2014, but was stuck in the earthquake and because he did not have a prosthetic device was barely able to get himself out of the rubble. He found one of his daughters and helped bring her to safety, despite his lack of mobility. He has an above the knee amputation and is trying to keep his diabetes under control. He is so grateful for the support of the ROMP donors who have made this prosthesis possible.

OLGA MARIA lost her mother and brother in the earthquake. Her father is still recovering from injuries and is walking with a cane. He has a bad infection on this foot, which is being monitored. They are both trying hard to proces all of the loss. Olga had her amputation on Aug 10, 2016, after she recovered from other injuries. She wants to have a family and move on with her live. She says after the earthquake, she is living "a new life" and is focused on other people. She just finished her first semester in school and wants to become a scientist. 

When ROMP experienced the earthquake on April 16, 2016, we knew immediately that we would have to jump into action. We just didn't know when, where, or how our services would be used. Historically, we knew that earthquakes of this magnitude, which devastated cities and communities, result in large number of amputations. So we waited. And while we waited, we made plans.

These plans included: 

GOAL #1: Engage our community in our efforts of support through component donations and monetary donations

GOAL #2:. Be the primary point of treatment in collaboration with Fundacion Hermano Miguel for any earthquake victims in need of prosthetic and orthotic care

GOAL #3. Find out how many amputees/devices we will need to provide and develop timeline of treatment

GOAL #4: Sustain operations and donations to ensure that patients are able to receive follow up care 

We have been able to achieve all of these goals and we continue to hear about individuals in need of prosthetic care as a result of the earthquake. These individuals are experiencing the long term impact of sustained injuries. 

Because of your support, we will continue to meet the needs of these individuals. 

Links:

• Video of Manta Patients