A walking stick is retired

Maria Rosa Yanchapaxi came to the CAMTA clinic like many others, hoping for relief from a problematic and painful hip. Maria Rosa's walking stick set her apart from many others in the clinic. The stick (a very plain one) had been with her for many years. When she first arrived at the CAMTA clinic Maria Rosa did not want to sit in the lobby with other potential patients; she was self-conscious of her walking stick, compared to the fancier store bought canes, crutches and wheel chairs that others were using. Although she referred to her stick as her “Mi Amigo” she was aware it was not anything special.

Maria Rosa and her family visit outside of her room after surgery.

After her surgery Maria Rosa found out that she would be given a pair of crutches to assist with her recovery. Sussana Gaviria (Translator) talked with Maria Rosa and asked if she would throw out her walking stick now that she had a new hip. Maria Rosa replied that it had been her friend for many years, and although it was very plain, she would have to hold on to it. Sussana asked if Maria Rosa would like the doctors, nurses and other CAMTA members to sign the stick as a memento, but Maria Rosa didn't think that the team would have the time or interest to do that for her. Sussana gathered up the stick and passed it around until there was hardly anywhere left to sign. Some of the team also added small Canadian flag stickers to brighten it up.