12 difficult years
The Venezuelan will never forget the sound of the sudden landslide. The avalanche of debris tore his car into the depths. He survived, but Alexis lost both legs as a result of the accident. He was in a wheelchair for over a decade. All difficult enough. But with no prospects for the future, Alexis and his family moved to Peru. In Europe, most people are unaware that 7.9 million people (> 25% of the population) have already left their home country of Venezuela. Poverty, oppression and hopelessness are driving them towards an uncertain future abroad.
In Peru, Alexis suffered from severe depression. “What is my life even worth anymore?” The years passed. Eventually, his daughter Verónica became a committed Christian and turned out to be a real source of hope. A tip from the church community was the big turning point. “There is a missionary hospital in Curahuasi. They will definitely be able to help your father there!”
The patient received two thigh prostheses last week. Now his muscles still need to be built up. With strength, patience and dexterity, a life of independence can now begin. A big thank you to Dr. Christian Haupt, head of our orthopaedic department, to his ajutant Alex Ávalos and to our physiotherapist Wendy.
