A hope-filled future for little girl 

/in /by Janet Edmondson

Juliana and her family are from Provincia del Carchi, a six hour drive from Quito. She was born at 34 weeks and went into cardiac arrest at 15 days old. She has cerebral palsy. The 8-year-old has had two previous surgeries in Colombia.

Translator Marita Echaiz-Eguren and pediatric recovery room nurse Bev Runka were with Juliana after her surgery.

Juliana asked if she had behaved herself. They told her, yes! She then asked if she could now have her present.All pediatric patients are given gift bags containing a stuffed toy, a colouring book, crayons, toiletries, and a few other items.

Physiotherapist Barb Furler and Physician Dr. Ryan Wright help Juliana with her first attempt at sitting. It’s going to take some practice!

Juliana could only lay on her back, or be carried because her hips and knees were stiff and straight. The purpose of her surgery with CAMTA was to allow her to sit upright and use a wheelchair comfortably.
Juliana says she is looking forward to sitting up and being able to brush her teeth by herself. She also said that when she grows up, she wants to be a doctor.