Strength and hope: Support Kids with Brittle Bones

The Ecuadorian Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation has now completed 25 years of continuous service dedicated to children living with osteogenesis imperfecta.

This journey has given us the opportunity to support individuals throughout their lives who found a treatment at our foundation that helps increase their bone density. Abigail  joined our project when she was just 4 years old. Now, 17 years later, she continues to attend our brigades. For Abigail, who is now 21, these semi-annual treatments are crucial in her battle against the disease.

Patricio, from Quito, joined the program at 5 years old, and now, at 21, he continues his treatment to keep his medical condition controlled.

March 2025 Brigade: A Snapshot

In summary, our latest brigade, conducted in March 2025, successfully provided treatment to 81 children across five provinces in Ecuador. The distribution is detailed in the chart below. This achievement is a collaborative effort involving our dedicated volunteers, medical personnel, and everyone who is part of the foundation day in and day out.

LOCATIONS WHERE PATIENT TREATMENT LESSIONS ARE CONDUCTED:

CITY: Quito, Ecuador

POINTS OF CARE WITH MEDICAL CENTERS & CLINICS: PRAXMED CAROLINA

NUMBER OF PATIENTS: 21

NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS: 12

DOCTORS: 1

NURSES: 3

CITY: Latacunga, Ecuador

POINTS OF CARE WITH MEDICAL CENTERS & CLINICS: HOSPITAL BASICO SERMES

NUMBER OF PATIENTS: 12

NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS: 5

DOCTORS: 1

NURSES: 1

CITY: Santo Domingo de los Stáchilas, Ecuador

POINTS OF CARE WITH MEDICAL CENTERS & CLINICS: CLINICA LA PROVIDENCIA

NUMBER OF PATIENTS: 16

NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS: 4

DOCTORS: 1

NURSES: 1

CITY: Chone, Ecuador

POINTS OF CARE WITH MEDICAL CENTERS & CLINICS:HOSPITAL BASICO CLINICA SANTA MARTHA

NUMBER OF PATIENTS: 11

NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS: 4

DOCTORS: 1

NURSES: 1

CITY: Guayaquil, Ecuador

POINTS OF CARE WITH MEDICAL CENTERS & CLINICS: PRAXMED GARZOTA

NUMBER OF PATIENTS: 21

NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS: 9

DOCTORS: 1

NURSES: 2

Summary of Services Provided:

Intravenous Zoledronic Acid treatments were provided to 81 patients nationwide. Additionally, refreshments and 3 bottles of vitamins were given to each patient.

A total of 28 female patients and 53 male patients received their intravenous Zoledronic Acid treatment and vitamin supply. The youngest patients were 4 years old, and the oldest were 22.

New Goals

Reaching 25 years is a testament to the tenacity of everyone who has driven this process; however, it also demands the responsibility of adapting to current circumstances. For this reason, we have decided to rebrand the foundation's image. Effective this month, the Ecuadorian Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation will be called Fortaleza de Cristal (Crystal Strength). We believe this name reflects the courage, drive, and willpower of those living with this condition and their accompanying families.

The gentle turtle that accompanied us all these years now welcomes Greta, whose crystal wings symbolize the ability of those who appear fragile to soar to great heights.

We have chosen this name and the butterfly as they represent what our children and their families embody and have taught us: Fragility is not an impediment, and they are ready to go far.