Violetta
Violetta is one of the oldest
patients in El Hogar. She was burned as a teen while studying by the light
of a kerosene lamp when it fell and exploded. Fires are common
occurrences in some areas of Peru due to poor housing and limited access to
electricity. Although Violetta is 25, she still receives treatment at El
Hogar for her burns and she hopes to one day have reconstructive dental
surgery. Violetta is a fantastic asset to El Hogar. She is constantly
helping with laundry, cooking or cleaning. She is also a very diligent
student and is currently studying technical nursing.
Julia Julia is a reserved and
contemplative nine year old who came to El Hogar four years ago to receive
treatment for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). She just completed her
third course of chemotherapy (this photo was the first time she removed her
bandana since treatment) and will hopefully be returning to her home in the near
future. Unfortunately, if Julia relapses again, the National Cancer
Hospital will not continue chemotherapy treatment and Peru does not perform
bone marrow transplants for patients with Leukemia. Instead, she would be
sent home with medications for pain management. Julia enjoys drawing and
listening to Justin Bieber, her "musica favorita."
VictorVictor was brought to El Hogar from
his home in the Amazon Jungle by a missionary when he was two years old.
He was born without arms and with a malformed, truncated right leg. When
he first came to El Hogar, he was malnourished and could not speak. But,
with the right medical attention and lots of love, Victor is a flourishing and
lively 10 year old. He does everything with one foot: eating, drawing,
typing on the computer and even riding a bike! Due to his continuous
medical needs, Victor will stay in El Hogar until he is an adult.
Andrea
Andrea came to El Hogar when she was three months old
to receive treatment for a rare genetic disease known as Apert Syndrome.
Apert Syndrome causes malformations of the hands and feet, a cleft palate and
premature fusion of the skull plates. During her two and a half years in
El Hogar, Andrea has undergone six surgeries to remodel her skull, separate her
fingers and repair her cleft palate. Despite the many long and painful
surgeries, Andrea is a blossoming toddler who enjoys picking flowers at the
nearby park. Once a month, Andrea's loving mother makes the 20 plus hour bus
ride from her home in Cuzco to visit Andrea.
| Juan
Joyful Juan was malnourished and weak due to a cleft lip and palate when he
arrived at El Hogar. In some areas of the Andes, the incidence of
children born with oral-facial clefts is as high as 1 in 250 births compared to
1 in 750 birth in the United states. Through the help of El Hogar and
reconstructive surgery, Juan has returned to a normal weight. He is now a
smiley nine month old who loves to be cuddled and carried around El
Hogar. Once he has completely recovered from surgery, Juan will return to
his family who lives in the inner city of Lima.
Axel
Axel is a very intelligent and inquisitive 10 year old
who is often found helping the volunteers learn Spanish. He first came to
El Hogar due to a fracture to his leg that never healed. He later was
diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type I, a genetic disease that can cause bone
malformations. Axel is currently undergoing treatment to lengthen the
bone in his right leg. Although Axel must use crutches, he does not let
this stop him from playing soccer, basketball and tag. When Axel
completes his treatment, he will return to his family who lives approximately
100 miles from Lima in the Andes Mountains.
Rosefelina
Quiet and caring Rosefelina came to El
Hogar to receive treatment for a growth, known as Giant Nevi, that covers half of her face. The growth is non-cancerous, but there is an increased risk
of it becoming melanoma skin cancer. Rosefelina is currently undergoing a
series of surgeries to remove the growth. Within El Hogar, 18 year old
Rosefelina has taken on a motherly role for some of the younger girls.
She recently graduated from high school and is pursuing a degree in
cosmetology. She enjoys practicing her cosmetology skills and cuts all of
the girl's hair for free. She also enjoys listening to music in her free
time.
Jefferson
Jefferson came to El Hogar at the age of four after
spending 3 1/2 years in the burn ward of a Lima hospital. His burns are
the result of a house fire when he was an infant. Until recently, his parents
thought he had passed away in the fire. While in El Hogar, Jefferson has
undergone several reconstructive surgeries to strengthen his skull and minimize
his burns. Jefferson's tenacious attitude and strong will enable him to
overcome any obstacle with which he is faced. He is fascinated with tools
and construction and can be found with his tool box "helping" make
repairs to El Hogar. Unfortunately, Jefferson has not been reunited with
his parents.
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