Cusco, Peru Surgical Trip

Mary Whitehead: Jaime in Blue

  Mary Whitehead: Jaime in Blue 
  Originally uploaded by interplast.

I’m Mary Whitehead, and I am a translator - coordinator on this trip. I’ve been volunteering with Interplast since September 2003, and have gone on two trips a year since then. I saw a piece about Interplast on San Francisco’s Evening Magazine television show, and from there I checked the website. I couldn’t get my application in fast enough! I have used my Spanish in my previous career as a financial aid counselor, but Interplast has been the most rewarding use of my language skills by far.

Today we saw the cutest little baby boy from the orphanage El Hogar Santa Teresa named Jaime. Jaime had an extra digit on his right foot. Jacquelyn, the social worker from the orphanage, told me that this was causing difficulty for Jaime since he’s trying to learn how to walk right now, and is starting to wear baby shoes. Here you’ll see two pictures of Jaime from last Monday’s clinic day, with one of the novices from the orphanage.

Mary: Jaime in Green

  Mary: Jaime in Green 
  Originally uploaded by interplast.

Jaime’s mother was killed only two months ago by a lightning strike. His family lives in a rural district eight hours south of Cusco. Jaime has six older brothers and sisters, so his father asked the orphanage to care for him until he is older. Jaime’s father comes and visits the orphanage whenever he can.

Mary: Thirsty Jaime

  Mary: Thirsty Jaime 
  Originally uploaded by interplast.

Jaime’s surgery was successful, and we all learned how feisty he can be as he awoke from anesthesia! It turns out that all he wanted was some water, and to be held by Jacquelyn. Everyone here was taken by Jaime because he was just so cute. He’s going to be a real heartbreaker someday.