Yesenia is a 12-year old girl who was burned two years ago. She traveled 10 hours from the district of Marcapata to see the Interplast team in Cusco. I first met Yesenia on Monday during the clinic day, and I was happy to see her again today for surgery. She was wearing a pink turtleneck sweater on both days in order to cover up her scars. She was very open and sweet, although obviously shy about her burns.
Yesenia told me that her friend was selling alcohol to the people in her village and had stopped by Yesenia’s house about two years ago. Unfortunately, some of the alcohol fell on the floor, hitting a lit match and exploding onto Yesenia’s face. As a reflex, Yesenia told me that she tried to wipe away the fire from her face with her hands, causing terrible burns on her neck, chin, and hands.
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