Overcoming Clubfoot With Shriners Children's Mexico
Since Adrián was born, his mother Blanca knew that his life would be marked by challenges.
The doctor who assisted her in childbirth told her that her son had been born with bilateral clubfoot, a condition that affects the shape of the feet, often making it impossible for children to walk.
Blanca immediately began seeking care in her home state of Guerrero, Mexico, and quickly found an option at a private hospital. However, for a year, Adrián received inadequate treatment that showed no results. Blanca was concerned and distressed by the lack of progress when she found out that there are no doctors certified to treat clubfoot in the state of Guerrero. She had run out of her savings and was in the midst of a global pandemic. Hope for treatment for Adrián seemed very far away.
But one day, Blanca saw a report on TV that immediately caught her attention: Shriners Children's Mexico provides specialized medical services in pediatric orthopedics, pediatric burns and post-burn sequelae, regardless of the family's ability to pay or insurance status.
Adrián's dream was wearing tennis shoes and regular shoes. He has finally graduated from the use of the splint. Today he runs, he jumps and he is living the life we always dreamed of.
With renewed hope, Blanca contacted the hospital and made an appointment. In the appointment, she was told that Adrián's treatment would be based on the Ponseti method to correct his condition, and tests were performed to rule out any damage caused by the previous treatment. Everything looked much brighter for the family now, but there was still a problem: they were not in a position to afford weekly appointments. Adrián's mother carefully explained their situation to the Social Work department, and they helped the family get weekly bus tickets.
With therapy, love and patience, Adrián began to walk at the age of three. Now, they visit the hospital are every six months for follow-up appointments and the little boy is living his best life.
