Day 2 of operating at the hospital began with a 06:30 team meeting.  All areas discussed their previous day, and much discussion was had on where to improve our processes to provide the best care to our wonderful and deserving patients. The team works well together, and everyone has a say in how to proceed.

Today we managed to perform eleven life changing surgeries. Challenges occurred with finding blood for patients who may need transfusions during surgery or after surgery.  The team worked together with resources in Cuenca, and a good solution was found.  A 27 year old woman had a PAO (periacetabular osteotomy) today.  The surgeon takes the hip and realigns it, so the hip is functional.  Now she may continue her employment as a Fire Fighter!  Our patients are all fighters and are so keen to begin living their lives again, free from pain and disability.

Our first patient of the Mission went home today!  After he passed all his mobility tests with the physiotherapy team, he was discharged from the hospital.  He was one of the first patients as he and his family had driven 7 hours to see the team and hope for surgery.  So amazing! Two other patients from yesterday’s surgeries went home today.

Our MDRD team worked tirelessly to clean the instruments so the surgeons could keep going. Everyone pitched in to help wash and clean the instruments needed for surgeries.

We wrapped up the day by 20:30 and returned to the hotel to rest and recharge for another day.

So thankful to our donors for helping to change lives of the people who would never have the opportunities otherwise.  We are reminded daily of how blessed we are in Canada and are privileged to pay it forward to those less fortunate.

Until tomorrow….

A Special Message from Dr. Abouassaly:

“Jorbim and his family showed up on the ward. He had VERY severe bilateral hip dysplasia and had 2 PAOs over the previous 2 years. Initially he never smiled and look at him now!”