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.