Sunday, September 28, 2008

Baby Alex safely home to Guatemala

Our adorable patient Alex, from Panajachel, Guatemala is safely home following his successful surgical repair of his wide cleft lip. Dr. Andy Moore in Lexington, KY donated the surgical expertise necessary to repair Alex's lip. In partnership with Central Baptist Hospital (Lexington) and Oldham Country Pediatrics, Alex was the fortunate beneficiary of excellent care while he was here.
His journey home was an eventful time for foster mother Kim, who accompanied Alex back to Guatemala. The fostering experience came full-circle for Kim as she met Alex's parents for the first time, and was able to receive their thanks in person for all that Kim, Jay and their son Alex had done for their baby. There were not many dry eyes during the visit, and despite their economic constraints, Alex's parents provided a meal for Kim and Sharon (Mayan Families Coordinator) during the visit.
When he arrived home, Alex's mother was pregnant with her next baby. In order to support Alex's formula needs, Mayan Families has made regular donations of powdered formula to Gloria so that she can keep Alex's nutrition in an optimal place for him to be operated on for his cleft palate during the COTA 2009 team. It is a comfort to Kim, Jay and the COTA staff to know that this support mechanism is in place for Alex's family.

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