Final thoughts & Farewell from Manisha

/in /by CAMTA

Nico listens to Manisha's heart on his way out. Right after this Nico grabbed a walker and said “Adios” all the way out to his car.

For me, the written word is nothing short of a miracle. It allows people the space to contemplate, reflect, and explore. Moreover, it can create legacy – crystallizing an event, emotion or revelation in time. The written word makes the hidden, ethereal moments of life transiently tangible. 
 
Being the blogger on this trip has been phenomenal. I have had the privilege of listening to and capturing aspects of our patient's lives as well as meeting and interacting with other team members in their specialities. There were moments when I was taking pictures or writing when I felt like sharing patients' stories was somehow sensationalizing their conditions/lives. I hope that it was never taken as such. While social and healthcare systems vary across countries, I think most people's definition of quality of life remains similar. 
 
We are not heroes, we are not saviours. We are humans who happen to be students, nurses, physiotherapists, doctors, or bloggers. We have come here to do the same jobs that we do at home. These patients deserve treatment but moreover, they deserve accessibility. 
 
Our patients, like any other human, deserve to be uplifted, empowered, valued and given the opportunity to do what it is that they do best – whether that is horseback riding, playing with grandchildren, or all the rest. We are just one small piece in a pursuit much larger than ourselves.
 

 
I hope that these stories showed you how many people are involved in the care of a single patient. No one works in isolation. Healthcare is a team sport and we were not here as MVPs or quarterbacks, but just as team members doing the best jobs we possibly can.
 
I want to say thank you to all of the people who make these missions possible including but not limited to translators, health care professionals covering shifts back home, local partners, administrators, and bus drivers. Most importantly, I would like to thank our patients. Serving you is truly a gift. Your permission to allow us into your lives was incredibly humbling. You will forever remain in our hearts. 
 
To all the readers, it has been an absolute pleasure writing for you. I hope you had the opportunity to vicariously experience the joy we have during our time in Quito. Your support is everything. Please stay tuned next week as Cynthia Lee continues to share our journey with you.