Thanks to our clinic volunteers and your donations, we made a tremendous impact this year with only a $125,000 budget – just over $20 per person.
During a visit to a remote village in May 2010, our clinic doctors discovered a baby, “Ana,” with severe Spina Bifida. This condition refers to a birth defect that causes the spinal cord to be pushed between the vertebras, resulting in a balloon-like growth that often results in paralysis unless treated. When our doctors met Ana she was already five months old and the growth on her spine had grown to the size of a softball. In the US, doctors operate on spina bifida patients soon after they are born and Dr. Omar Ibañez knew that it was critical for Ana to be treated as quickly as possible.
Dr. Ibañez immediately began calling his colleagues to find someone who could help Ana. He was introduced to Dr. Graciela Mennucci, a neurosurgeon at the hospital San Juan de Dios in Guatemala City. After hearing about Ak’ Tenamit’s work, Dr. Mennucci generously agreed to operate on Ana free of charge. Dr. Ibañez, a volunteer himself, covered the cost of transporting Ana and her mother to the city for the operation.
Thankfully, the operation was a success. Dr. Mennucci removed the growth without complications and, after several weeks in the hospital, Ana returned to her village for what we hope is a complete recovery. She is currently undergoing physical therapy to teach her to use her muscles for the first time and slowly, but surely, recovering.
To read more stories like this one take a look at our blog and e-newsletters.
Dental Clinic
Over the past five years, 84% of GTF revenues have gone directly to project Ak' Tenamit in Guatemala.
