The latest news from our Mission in Quito

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." - Thomas Edison

Deb Chalupa the lead ward nurse with her team of pediatric and adult ward nurses. They care for our patients before and after their surgery.

"Very good day, very happy day"

Leidy Paola Tello Lagos had her first surgery with CAMTA in 2012. At that time she had an osteotomy. Today Paola,31, had the plate and screws from that procedure removed, as well as a total left hip replacement.

Paola and her mother Yolanda on clinic day

Dr .Tim Kostamo described Paola's hip before the surgery as "totally destroyed."

"It was one of the most difficult surgeries of my career," said Dr. Kostamo. "And she's going to be great."

For the last two years, Paola said she has been in tremendous pain, has not been able to work and could hardly walk.

Her mother, Yolanda, said it has been very difficult and sad to watch her daughter lose her ability to do activities and work.

Yolanda is grateful her daughter was able to have this surgery.

"It's a very good day, a very happy day," she said.

Charming little man

You could not help but notice Santiago Jose Malan Pinero on Clinic Day, with his wide eyes and infectious smile.

Dr. David Sommerfreund made sure the four-year old was ready for an osteotomy, to repair dysplasia in his left hip.

Following surgery Santiago was smiling, even though he was still kind of sleepy. He will need to wear his Spica cast for 6 to 8 weeks.

Helping hands

The Mission begins before we arrive in Quito. The day that members of the Week One and Week Two Teams arrived at the Edmonton Int'l Airport to depart, the bags containing necessary medical supplies had to get there too.

A total of 88 hockey bags or bins were transported from our warehouse space to the airport.

Marc Moreau was at the warehouse to make sure the correct bags needed for the specific week were loaded on the truck. Greg Zinter drove the truck, which was on loan from Sammy Ruiz.

Marc was also on hand at the airport to connect Team members with the bag they were responsible for taking to Quito.

The strong young backs that carried the bags from the second floor of the warehouse to the truck, included Ethan Moreau, Matthew Moreau Jr., Eric, Cole, and Jack.

A big thanks to all for your time and help. We appreciate you!

CAMTA Faces

Darrel Comeau

Communications-Photographer

Kelsie Marusak

Adult Ward Nurse

Deb Chalupa

Lead Ward Nurse

Danielle Stachiw

Adult Orthopedic Surgeon

Rana Harris

Translator

Nelson Pauker

Translator

Double the impact of your gift at no additional cost. Please check with your employer to see if your gift can be matched through a company Matching Gift Program.

Visit our Website