It has been nearly two years since Gael was born with a congenital deformity called a “club foot.” His right foot was turned inward and downward and left untreated he would have had difficulty standing and mobility would be extremely challenging. The condition can worsen causing severe pain and a significant disability. Nobody understands this better than his mother, Stefany, who was born with two clubfeet.

Esperanza’s network of trusted physicians has significantly broadened in the past twenty years, and we were able to refer Gael within Honduras rather than bring him to the United States for treatment, as we had with Stefany. Gael’s first appointment with Ruben Villeda M.D., a highly respected orthopedic surgeon in Tegucigalpa, took place within days of his birth. Soon he was in a cast for a couple of months, and this required many trips to the capitol to have new ones applied. When Gael was nine months he underwent his first surgery and then he was fitted with special shoes which were attached to a bar. Wearing this orthotic devise all day and night is a crucial part in the successful correction but one that patients resist and parents don’t always conform to following.

Gael’s condition significantly improved and he’s an active toddler who spends his days playing with his older cousin, Favian. However, Dr. Villeda felt there was still room for improvement and operated for the second time. The medical team is thrilled with the results from the surgery and may Gael’s recovery go smoothly so that he will soon be running and climbing with Favian!