Maureen Reports:
"It’s been a busy half week as we wrap up in the clinic and begin our journey home. Monday was spent just treatingpatients. We visited the Bone Setter’s hospital in Puttur on Tuesday morning before clinic. In the evening we visited the HIV/AIDS care center again. Karen purchased a bicycle for a patient who lives at the care center, so her daughter can stay with her and ride the bike to and from school. We presented the bike to the woman and her daughter Tuesday evening, and enjoyed some time with the residents of the care center. Wednesday evening we served dinner to the children and elderly at the mission, and then had a program which included string games via an object lesson by Diane, presentation of some gifts for the children, and our sad goodbying. We are on our way to Chennai tomorrow morning, and then to Delhi. Thank you again for your prayers and support. It’s been a wonderful experience.
The following are some of the people whose lives we’ve touched and been touched by.
Patient testimonials:
Amanda with Honey – he is a 15 year old boy with cerebral palsy. He was challenging and fun to work with. Family support was great, and his parents were good to follow through with his exercises. He was always excited to participate in therapy. We worked on motor and oral motor activities. His father is an evangelist for the mission.
Diane (Monisha) – she is a young girl with leg weakness and hypermobility. She was unable to climb stairs without help due to her problem, but we made gauze “orthotics” and taped them to her feet, and she was able to go up steps without help. We are looking forward to seeing what real orthotics in the US will do for her. Her family was very helpful with her exercises and very grateful for the therapy.
Stephanie with Rani – she had had a stroke and was complaining of dropping things with her hand and having foot weakness with difficulty keeping her shoe on. She was very motivated, compliant, and eager to please. She could understand English very well, smiled all the time, and gave us a “thumbs up” when she was happy with her newfound ability.
Megan with Prasad – he had a problem with his vestibular system, and wouldn’t turn his head when he walked because he got dizzy. He would say “thank you” after every exercise. His comment every day was “much improvement”. By the end of our stay, he had no dizziness, and was walking and turning his head normally.
Karen with Vijay Harish – he is a young man with a shortened leg and foot deformity. He is having quite a bit of pain when he walks, so he can’t play with his friends. We worked on stretching his foot and strengthening his hand. We ended by casting his foot, to see if our orthotist friends in the US might have any suggestions for him. He and his father are hopeful for any help to relieve his pain, so that surgery can be avoided.
Rachel with Sam – he is a young man with Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy. We worked on strengthening of all his muscles, and stretching his trunk. He is an extremely polite and gracious man, and positive. Sam has maintained his strength over the last two years of being seen in the clinic in spite of his progressive disease. His father is very supportive of his son.
Maureen with Job – he was a patient with shoulder problems on both sides. We stretched his shoulders and taught him exercises. As he left he said that the care he received from this team was such a blessing, and he prayed that God would “give you riches and long lives so that you can continue to bless the people of India.”The team now leaves for Chennai and Delhi to see more of this ancient country!! Posts to follow!