Prosthetics team gifts patients with new limbs and hope, delivers smiles

Robert Dirksen fitting one of many prosthetic limbs during his three days in Guatemala

By Tony de Lima

Nov. 25, 2009

Guatemala City, Guatemala. – Robert Dirksen, a CPO from California and his team, fitted 14 patients with prosthetic limbs in just three days. Volunteering with HELPS International, Dirksen traveled to Guatemala last May on a medical mission trip and took measurements from patients in the small town of Joyabaj in the Guatemalan highlands. He vowed to return to Guatemala in November to fit his patients with brand new prosthetic limbs, some of whom have never walked before.

Dirksen took measurements of a very special boy, Juan Castro, in Joyabaj in May. Juan Castro became an icon and an inspiration for many after a San Diego news crew shared his story in a short documentary called “10 Days in Guatemala.” Juan Castro arrived at the national hospital in Joyabaj on an old plastic tricycle pulled along with a rope by his father. With his legs badly infected and unable to walk since birth due to spina bifida, the HELPS International medical team decided to amputate both his legs and give him a second chance at life.

Dirksen returned, as promised, to Guatemala on November 23 and spent three full days casting molds, taking measurements and building legs and arms for 14 patients, including Juan Castro. He took molds and casts for eight patients to be fitted in May 2010 and repaired nine more prosthetic limbs. Juan Castro spent the three days with Dirksen as he worked on making limbs, waiting eagerly for his turn.

Mardoqueo, a precocious eight year-old, was fitted with two brand-new, carbon fiber and titanium legs. Born without lower legs, Mardoqueo learned to walk, and even run, on his stubs. “I’ve never, ever seen that before,” Dirksen said, after having worked in the prosthetics field for over 20 years.

The day before Thanksgiving, HELPS International hosted an event in their Guatemala office and warehouse to introduce the prosthetics team and patients. Among invited guests were lawmakers, corporate executives, doctors and the national press. Steve Miller, president and founder of HELPS International, was on hand to meet the patients and guests.

Miller thanked Dirksen and his team and said that “they represent all HELPS volunteers.” He thanked his staff for their hard work and urged the national media to commit themselves to covering the “good news” and to give hope and instill pride in all Guatemalans. Miller praised the patients for their courage, determination and hope.

The event concluded with the patients showing off their new limbs. Juan Castro, surrounded by national press, volunteers and guests, took his first steps ever in what was the culmination of months of planning, building and patience. It was a very emotional experience for everyone. The smile on Juan Castro’s face was wide and unwavering. “This is what we came back for. That smile. This is why I do what I do,” Dirksen said, his eyes watering. “We will see him again in May. By then, he’ll be walking to see us.”

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