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October 2010: Felito Returns Home to Peru After a very long stay and many surgeries and procedures, Felito has finally returned home to Peru. He was very exicted to see his family and to be home. We would like to share this excerpt from the letter his mother wrote to Child Foundation regarding his time in Miami.
Felito's Story begins in Peru Felito, a darling 8 year-old boy from Peru, came to us with multiple problems: hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation, tethered spinal cord syndrome and scoliosis. We were made aware of Felo’s need for assistance through our partnership with International Kids Fund at Jackson Memorial Hospital. On Feb 5, 2009, Felito had his first surgery (Right Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy sec to Obstructive Hydrocephalus) at Jackson Memorial Hospital with Dr. David Sandberg. A few weeks after his first surgery, Felito was no longer suffering from the painful burning sensations all over his body. The constant loud noises caused by the pressure on his brain were gone. He was able to walk much better and for longer periods of time. He no longer suffered from dizziness and was able to move his head from left to right, something that he was not able to do before without pain. Before this surgery, Felito was only able to eat soft foods, but only one month post-op, he is able to eat meat for the first time in his life. On June 16, 2009, Dr. Sandberg performed a spinal cord untethering surgery. As of June 25th, it is obvious that the surgery was a huge success. This second surgery eased the pressure on his neck, back and shoulders so that Felito is now running around with ease. For a child who could barely walk or keep his balance when we first met him, this is such an amazing thing! Felito and his mother are so pleased with all these improvements to his quality of life and continue to thank CFC & IFK for their help. He continues to heal and improves daily. After Felito’s examination by orthopedic surgeon David Stricker, we were advised that his scoliosis is so very complicated that Felito should seek help through the Shriner’s Hospital. Both Child Foundation & International Kids Fund will contact Shriner’s on his behalf to see if they will accept his case. UPDATES July 8, 2009 -- Felito returned to Lima to recover fully and will return to the United States for further evaluation in six months. January 11, 2010 -- Felito returned to Miami for his successful six-month check-up with Dr. Sandberg. At Dr. Sandberg’s recommendation, Felito was examined by Dr. Harry L. Shufflebarger at Miami Children’s Hospital to determine the treatment for his scoliosis. Additional updates are below.
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e experience he had of being in Miami and meeting so many different people has really changed him. Felito is now more independent without fears, has more confidence in himself, has a desire to learn everyday more and more, and loves to watch sports even though he does not play them, he always watches them on TV. I am very proud of him because even though he has never gone to school, he knows how to read, add, subtract, and even multiply a little. He is a good kid, a good companion, and besides being my son he is also my friend.
Felo at Jungle Island Pre-Surgery | Dr. Sandberg, surgical staff & Mom | Dr. Sandberg and Mom after surgery
On April 4th orthopedic surgeon Dr. Shufflebarger put the first of three neck-to-waist body casts on him in an effort to stop the advancement of and to correct some of his severe scoliosis. Thanks to you, our donors, both Felito and his mother have a lot to be happy about. They asked me to convey their sincere thanks to our donors who have helped him improve his quality of life so dramatically. It is a beautiful thing to watch this child prosper with the care he has received to date; I only wish you could see this transformation/rebirth in person also. Felo with severe scoliosis (left) | Felo with his 1st full upper body cast (right)
Update: May 17th, 2010 after 2nd Casting (before/after) Felito received his second cast and was measured for his brace on May 17th. This time he chose his mother’s favorite color, orange for this cast that he will wear for 6 weeks. He probably will be going home to Peru sometime in July in his new brace that will hopefully keep his scoliosis from worsening until he is accepted for treatment at Shriner’s Hospital in Philadelphia.
Update - July 12, 2010: Felito had his body cast removed and is now wearing his body brace. He will wear this brace for 22 hours per day in an effort to continue the progress made from wearing the body casts. See photos below of the transformation from body cast to brace.
Felito Celebrates his birthday in style while at the Ronald McDonald House:
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