Last year we introduced you to "Heartbreak" Maria and her sad story of neglect.  This year we have a much happier message to share about this young girl, all because of the love of an amazing God who " heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" Psalm 147:3.  

Over the past few months members of the HTI team, and Dr. Patricia in particular, have intentionally loved Maria with words of hope in Jesus and with His arms of love.  In February, Maria came to Clinica Ezell during the surgical week for a biopsy so that we could better understand her condition.  Dr. Alan Boyd, HTI board member and dermatology pathologist at Vanderbilt, took a look at Maria's information and diagnosed her with actinic prurigo which is in fact a photosensitivity condition causing her to need lifelong topical steroids, high SPF sunscreen, a daily dose of 10,000 IU Beta Carotene, and long sleeved clothing to protect her from the sun.  

We will do our best to continue helping Maria learn to live in her skin, but the most important thing we can do for her will have nothing to do with her medical condition and everything to do with the condition of her sweet heart.

In the photos below you see a radically changed little girl with a beaming smile who has not only learned to hug, but is learning how to hang on to Jesus for dear life!  Maria was one of the downtrodden but Jesus stepped in to bind her wounds and place her yoke upon His shoulders!