In May 2014, we met Elsa and Lorena, a family from the small city of San Andres Semetebaj, Sololá, Guatemala. They came to the medical mission for a consultation with Dr. Devan Griner, a pediatric plastic surgeon and committed volunteer.
Lorena Guiselle
When we met Lorena Guiselle, we learned that 40% of her body was burned when she was 4 years old and that has led to loss of use of her left arm and scarring across her body. It is a miracle she survived the burns that she sustained after touching a high voltage device that launched her from the roof of their home to the roof of another building, leaving her body badly burned without proper specialty care. While the national hospital in the capital city (about 4 hours from her home in Sololá) did everything they could to help, the lack of resources and specialized medicine left Lorena with scars that have affected the development her muscles and limbs. The treatment she requires is advanced and required more than could be done in the span of a one week medical service trip. Our volunteers were not satisfied with sending her home without treatment, and explored the option of sending her to the U.S. for surgery.
After nearly a year of fundraising, organizing paperwork, obtaining visas, and homestays for the family, we have accomplished bringing Lorena Guiselle and her mother, Elsa Lorena, to the Shriner’s hospital in Salt Lake City. This is a big moment for us, not just because it accomplishes our desire to create binational relationships that can enrich lives and share the gift of health, it also demonstrates the strength and commitment of our volunteers to do the same. We are impressed by the amazing hearts of many volunteers, including new volunteers who have joined our family to support Lorena Guiselle and her mother. We appreciate everyone who has contributed to making this possible in the past year! It would not be possible without your support! And of course, we also recognize that this would not be possible without the commitment of Lorena’s family to her wellbeing and their willingness to make this sacrifice. It has not been easy.
“One of Love in Action volunteers Jami Huntington requested medical assistance from The Shriner Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah where she previously worked. The Hospital required Lorena Guiselle to travel with her mother or father to the United States with her. Also it was required us to show proof of living accommodations in the Salt Lake area transportation arrangements to/from the Hospital.
There were four families who were willing to host Lorena and her mother. One of those families was selected to host them. After several months of getting all the paper work in order, passports, visas and airplane tickets purchased thanks to donations of generous volunteers.”
We will be keeping you updated on Lorena’s story as she and her mother take on this journey. We have received permission from Elsa Lorena (her mother) to share their background and experiences and she gives this access in gratitude to all those who made it possible.
So keep your eyes open, because you will get a chance to peek in on a special moment for Lorena Guisellse her family, the Love in Action Mission, and for the family who has so graciously welcomed them in their home. Always keep in mind that this will come in fragments, and can’t always fully give voice to Lorena Guiselle, her mother, their culture, their experiences and perspectives. (But we’ll try our best!)