Child With Severe Clubfoot Travels to Distant Specialists
Challenges with Clubfoot
Brighton was born with clubfoot. “Her left foot was turned in so far,” said her parents, “that her big toe could touch her belly button.”
In addition, Brighton has also suffered from multiple seizures. She needs to see two doctors on a regular basis. A neurologist handles the seizures, and an orthopedic specialist takes care of clubfoot.
These problems put Brighton through a series of medical treatments. From multiple braces to an operation that lengthened her Achilles tendon, Brighton couldn’t catch a break.
A Long Distance...
But there’s an obstacle to Brighton’s care: distance. Brighton and her family live in Nevada. The doctors that have been helping her are in California. Brighton’s parents have to drive more than 3 hours, and almost 200 miles, to access the care she needs.
“Her father has been unemployed for two weeks,” said Brighton’s mother. “We are negative in our bank account, have bills to pay still and no money for gas to get to our baby’s appointments.”
How would Brighton access the care she needed?
...Overcome by Persistence
Brighton’s parents weren’t about to give up – and their persistence paid off. At a critical point, they found out about Mercy Medical Angels’ ground transportation program. Mercy Medical Angels sent Brighton’s parents gas cards. Now, they could pay for gas and travel to Brighton’s appointments.
“We couldn’t have made it to the specialists if it weren’t for the gas cards from Mercy Medical Angels,” said Brighton’s parents.
Brighter Future
In early January, Brighton will celebrate her birthday. Now that she has received the care she needed, she’ll be able to celebrate and play with her friends. Her parents are relieved that Mercy Medical Angels was able to help.
“Mercy Medical Angels definitely increased the quality of Brighton’s life,” said Brighton’s parents. “They helped us maintain our physical and mental wellness, individually and as a family.”
“Thank you, Mercy Medical Angels!”
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