Without our orthopaedic workshop, Robert’s life would be very different
He was a boy without opportunities. Since birth, Robert had to get by without his lower left leg. An extreme disability that automatically excluded him from many games with other children. Unfortunately, his mother died far too young. Robert is one of eight siblings and his father is constantly pushed to the limit.
But since 2019, his life has taken a turn for the better. Daniel Müller fitted the then eleven-year-old with a prosthesis. The journey from his home village in the state of Pasco to Curahuasi took three full days by bus.
Five long years passed. He recently presented himself in our workshop again. Christian Haupt helped him get a prosthesis with an elegant snake look. A pretty good idea for the rainforest.
Robert now wears his shorts with pride. And with his improved self-esteem, he is setting his sights high. He wants to become a lawyer and fight against injustice in his own country. Oh yes, he also plays in a band, and not a bad one at that.
There are few medical stories that move us as much as the cases from the orthopaedic workshop. His start in professional life can be successful and with his confidence he could even go very far.
The work of Christian Haupt and our physiotherapy department cannot be paid for with money. When I visit Christian at his workplace in the afternoon, he has his hands full. He is currently working with six – or maybe even seven – patients at the same time.
Back when the facility was founded, we had no idea that we would one day be fitting patients from all 24 states with top-quality prostheses.
If there is one success story, then this is it. /KDJ
