Efrain’s Story

Two years ago, Efrain’s mom saw our Institute from the highway. While English is not her first language, she translated ortho and pediatrics and thought to herself ‘maybe they could take care of my little boy.’  Her son, Efrain was born with a limb deficiency and doctors in Mexico considered amputation or leg-lengthening procedures, but the family had reservations and little funds to afford either option. When they relocated here recently, they saw a doctor about Efrain’s allergies, and a nurse in that office referred them to OIC.

Efrain’s mom explained to us that she was shocked when they arrived at OIC for the orthopaedic appointment,  since she remembered our sign from two years ago, and felt it was meant to be. They met OIC staff who compassionately guided them through the process, before Efrain was examined by Dr. Scaduto. A plan was developed and Efrain was excited about the prospect of shedding his crutch for a state-of-the-art prosthesis. We will permanently rotate his foot backwards so it serves as a knee joint.

In March 2021, to make Efrain feel welcomed, we asked another OIC Patient Ambassador (Arturo) to host a picnic for him on our Everychild Foundation Playground. Dr. Bernthal, who will be assisting Dr. Scaduto in Efrain’s surgery, also joined the welcoming party.

Watch Efrain Throw out the first pitch

OIC is grateful that Efrain and his family have joined our Patient Ambassador Program, and we will be following his story throughout his treatment plan, from pre and post-surgery, through physical therapy.  Stay tuned for more to come!