Maria and Herbert remembered that TV story and, although they had never met Luz, thought about her often through the years. Fast forward to December 24, Christmas Eve 2008. Luz arrives at Tampa International Airport to start her current treatment and rehab at Shriners Hospital. The first week in February, Tampa's Bay News 9, tapes a short story about Luz and broadcasts it on their spanish language station. Guess who was watching? Yes, Maria and Herbert again watched a TV story about a little girl from the jungles of Peru. But this time things would be different. The next day Maria and Herbert drove to Shriners expecting to visit Luz. They were told her appointment was the following day. So they went home and came back again the next day. They were waiting in the lobby when we walked in the door. They walked up to us and said, "This must be Luz". Although they had never met, it seemed like a family reunion when we heard the story. Now Maria and Herbert are like an extended family.
Friday, February 20, 2009
It's a Small World after all.
Three years ago in 2006, Maria and Herbert Espinoza were visiting Lima, Peru. While watching local TV there was a story about a little girl from Juanjui, a small village in the Amazon region of Peru, who was run over by a motorcycle taxi and severely injured. The child was brought to Los Ninos Hospital in Lima but because of the long journey, 14 hours, her right arm could not be saved and required amputation. That little girl was Luz.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Monday is for Veronica
It has been a busy weekend. Saturday saw many hours spent at the annual Gasparilla parade in Tampa. For the second time in a week the girls were the recipients of a kaleidescope of colored beads. After the parade it was back home and a visit from Gerry and John Pearce who drove in from Jacksonville to visit Luz and Veronica. Gerry and John have been exceptional supporters of the girls and their families. A late but great dinner at La Septima Restaurant in Brandon and a visit from Ron Fernandez, owner of La Septima, finished the day.
A fairly quiet Sunday saw church services with Linda at Bell Shoals and then a relaxing day getting ready for Shriners. Veronica and Ynes will be spending the next two weeks there for some intensive therapy. Visit Veronica's blog for more information at: http://veronica-andes.blogspot.com/
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Finished at Shriners
Luz had her last appointment, for this visit, at Shriners last week. Her surgery site has healed and she will start wearing her re-adjusted prosthesis. Too soon she and Hilmer will head home to Peru until this time next year. Luz best friend, Veronica, will spend the next two weeks at Shriners for some extensive therapy. Then both girls will head home. Kathy and Angel from Channel 9 stopped by to take some video that was aired this past week. We thank them for the exposure. However, the next two weeks will be exciting with the Gasparilla Invasion and the State Fair. Mom and Dad will likely be happy to return to the relative quiet of Amazon and the Andes.
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