I Was Meant To Be Here

David Ferneau is a Physical Therapist at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, Calif.  He is the first person from Mercy General to serve on the mission.

The day started off a little slow for David. That is until he saw a 6-month-old patient with a club foot.  David knew this child needed a custom foot brace or possibly corrective surgery as soon as possible.  Unable to provide either, he grabbed a knee brace and had to use some creativity.  He was able to use the stove at a nearby house and warmed up the knee brace just enough to make it pliable.  David was able to fashion a foot brace for the baby.  After fitting the baby with the brace David commented, "This patient just made the entire trip worthwhile."

David fits his young patient with a "custom" foot brace.

We later learned from the local health promoter that a club foot specialist is scheduled to arrive in Esquipulas this November.  David's patient received a referral to be evaluated for corrective surgery.

"This was an amazing opportunity, that presented itself at just the right time.  I felt that I was meant to be here, just to take care of this baby.  In the US this type of condition is unheard of.  If this is condition is not repaired, the baby will not be able to walk on his own."

 

Comments

[Bruce Ermann]

Good Work, David! What ingenuity and creativity. You're doing great things, and have fun. Say hi to Mary Carol.
Bruce Ermann

[Sandra Meyers]

Great job David! We're very proud of you and the care that you're providing on this trip.
Sandra Meyers