Imagine you reaching your sister’s house, as you normally do, and you pull her 1200 pound steel sliding gate with ease because it is on wheels. Imagine realizing something is wrong with the gate today but by the time you realize this, the steel gate is on top of you crushing your back. The impact is so sudden and cruel that you scream on the top of your voice not yelling for help but just screaming. Luckily, neighbours and passersby heard your screams and five strong adults were able to release you from the burden of the gate on your back. You feel relieved that you have been helped, but what now? This is ten-year old Stephanie Quinones story, a journey of a thousand miles...
Channel 5 Belize News Report by Mike Rudon:
K.H.M.H. Hosts Belize Spine Team
The words Belize Spine Program don’t immediately ring a bell, but there are Belizeans today who would not be walking without it. It was born in 2010 out of a partnership between the K.H.M.H. and Spine Overseas, an international surgical and education support program. Since then, orthopaedic surgeons and support staff have visited Belize regularly, and have collaborated with local medical professionals in thirty-six successful spine surgeries. This week they are back in Belize, and have come bearing very important gifts in the form of two cell-saver machines. Mike Rudon was at the handing over this morning and has the story.
The first scoliosis corrective surgical operation performed in Belize has made history. It took place at Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital two days ago on a 13-year-old Belizean girl. Dr. Andrew Moulton, a New York based Pediatric Orthopedic Spine Surgeon and his colleague, Dr John Williams, an Indiana-based Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, performed the surgery. They said that the teen was already able to sit up in a chair less than 72 hours after having the life-altering 6-hour operation.
