Rainbow Families Foundation Newsletter - September 2009

September 2009

I have been very busy with my cardiac patients and most recently with Welbin, a boy who had severe scoliosis. Welbin's mother had taken him to the public hospital in Santiago whose orthopedic surgeon asked for 400,000 pesos. While doing the surgery for free, the rods, screws and hooks supposedly cost 400,000 pesos. Later she took him to the private clinic in Santiago and the orthopedic surgeon asked for 500,000 pesos, advising the same, doing the surgery free but charging for the materials. I met Welbin and his mother during their search to find a means to pay for the surgery. I became familiar with an orthopedic Christian clinic in Santo Domingo who operates on children with severe orthopedic deformities, scoliosis, cleft pallet, web hands and feet, etc. After learning about this clinic we went for a consultation with the American Director and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Nelson. He said Welbin's scoliosis is very advanced and a group of patients were scheduled for surgery in May when a team of American doctors, nurses and an anesthesiologist would be coming. He sent us to the Dominican social worker to price out the operation. She quoted 100,000 pesos. I explained the family situation of the single working Mom, cleaning uniforms at a factory in Sosua. The social worker expected that I (a rich American) was paying for the surgery. I advised her to the contrary. She then quoted 50,000 pesos, half the price. The dollar is currently trading about 36 pesos per dollar. We returned to the north coast and met with a local TV station to ask to do a telemarathon. We were able to raise enough money for the surgery and incidental costs such as transportation, MRI and incidentals. Unfortunately the doctor had to postpone the surgeries due to a conflict in schedule with the medical team. Finally we were advised that the team will begin surgeries on August 26. Welbin was operated on August 27ih and remained in the hospital one week. We went for a checkup this past week. He continues to do well during his recovery, however, still bedridden and at risk for infection. He is a frail 106 pounds. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, his next checkup is in 6 weeks. My cardiac kids continue to do fine except for Roniel. He still has not had the pace maker implanted. His defense is so low that he continues off and on with a cold. He's on antibiotics and medication. Perhaps he will get better soon to have the implant. If not, the family will have to find a way to get him to S. Domingo. I have had many successes in my work here, the care of my cardiac kids, Jose Antonio and Welbin, among others.