Monday, April 14, 2008

Franklin goes home to Guatemala


Franklin is preparing to return to Guatemala, following successful surgery to repair a crush injury to his foot. Shriners Hospital in Lexington has donated two surgeries for this COTA patient. Skila and Jarrod from Lexington, KY found time in their busy schedule (while parenting three other boys!) to host Franklin for his visits to the U.S.


Franklin's mother is a nurse in Guatemala, and she never gave up on her attempt at finding surgical repair for her child. We have no doubt that Franklin will make the world a better place in the future.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Cintia awaits departure to U.S. for surgery


Our next COTA stateside patient is awaiting her exit visa for departure to Tennessee, where she will be hosted by our newest foster family, April and Kenny. Cintia will have a complicated surgery to correct lower bowel problems that were present at birth. The surgical procedure will require two surgeries and at least an 8 month stay in the states, if not longer. This is an amazing commitment of time, energy and love for this new COTA couple, who already have 5 children of their own! Cintia has been in foster care in Guatemala since birth, and her smile reflects the loving concern her Guatemalan foster mother gave her for the first year of her life.

Twenty Years of COTA: Perspective and Memories from Warren Brandwine

         My first COTA mission to Peten was in January, 2000. We flew up to San Benito in a surplus C-130 with the door held on with ...