Monday, August 31, 2009

Malnutrition in Guatemala - THE SAD FACTS

As ROMP enters its fifth year working in Guatemala the situation for many of the country's poor has only gotten worse. In a recent article in the August 29th edition of The Economist it was reported that "almost half of Guatemala's children are chronically malnourished - the sixth-worst performance in the world." A more disturbing fact revealed in the article is that although Guatemala is wealthy enough to prevent this malnutrition the political will of its leaders is lacking. As a point to ponder, people with disabilities in Guatemala are at a far greater risk of falling into the cycle of poverty. An amputee without a prosthesis is one more mother or father unable to support their family. In a country where the systemic problems of disability, poverty and malnutrition pervade we need to do all we can to help. Amputees in Guatemala remain disabled because of they do not have a prosthesis, not because they are missing a limb. We cannot take every child in Guatemala out of poverty, adequately feed and clothe them. However, the ROMP clinic in Zacapa can at least help Guatemalans with disabilities stand up and fight on two feet.

For the article on Malnutrition in Guatemala read The Economist (click here)

Monday, August 17, 2009

The Massacre of the Rats (WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES)


Now, just because this blog is all about non-profit humanitarian work for people with disabilities in various places like Guatemala doesn't mean that it has to be all seriousness all the time. With that preface I'd like to introduce you to the newest ROMP project in Guatemala. ROMP - Rats Overtly Massacred Project. There is a problem in the clinic. A rodent problem to be exact. Well, HAD a problem to be specific. No longer will these mammals defecate on precious prosthetic supplies and use prosthetic socks as nesting materials. The war is on and I say to the rats....BRING IT.

Maribel writing with her arm


An image of Maribel writing a letter to the ROMP July team. Pretty powerful stuff.

Friday, August 14, 2009

ROMP Team July 2009


A group of volunteers made quite the impact in Guatemala. The team included two physiatrists, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, two physical therapy students, a prosthetic/orthotic technician, prosthetist and support staff including translators. We were able to fabricate 19 new prosthetic limbs, a bunch of custom orthotic devices and carried out important lab improvments. What impressed me the most was ho well we worked and lived together as a team. Perhaps it was one of the most tight-knit groups to volunteer with ROMP in Guatemala. This experience was as unforgettable for the team as it was for the numerous Guatemalans that we served. Maribel was one of our patients for the week. She was attacked by her ex-husband with a machete and both of her hands were cut off. This woman is determination personified. She worked diligently at the end of the week to control her new prosthesis (the second arm is in the works). Julie, the OT, helped her along and thirty minutes before we wrapped up the work for the week Maribel wrote this letter.

"Estoy muy agradecido, mucho con Ustedes. Espero volverlos a ver muy pronto. Gracias"
"I am very thankful, with all of you. I hope to to see you all very soon. Thank you."

That was the greatest gift of all.