Moments that Change Everything – Monday
What are the series of steps that constitute a miracle? I’ll be the first to admit I am sometimes skeptical of miracles. As a Christian that’s a difficult thing to confess. Then I travel to Guatemala with Faith in Practice. I meet the patients and the people, watch the volunteers work tirelessly from morning until night, listen to the stories, and share in the emotions surrounding all of it. How can you not call each day a miracle?
We are committed and connected to each of our patients, but today there was a child that imprinted on our hearts. Sunday during Clinic a 12-yr-old named Sara was seen by our ENT, Austin King. She was gentle and sweet and gave each person a kiss on the cheek when she walked into the exam room. Her grandmother explained she had started to lose her voice within the last six to nine months. Her voice was so hoarse and distorted she struggled to squeeze out a sound. Dr. King couldn’t get a clear picture of her throat during the exam so he scheduled her for a Laryngoscopy to get a more detailed look at her larynx.
This is where I start to believe in miracles. CRNA, Lori Baker, borrowed a UE Scope from Great Lakes Anesthesia, of Buffalo, NY, for her trip to Guatemala. A special scope with a small screen used to look deep into the larynx, the UE Scope is a common tool in the United States. Hospital Hilario Galindo has a slightly similar tool but it’s rudimentary and couldn’t give a clear picture of Sara’s throat. Not only did the UE Scope give a clear picture, it allowed the doctors to videotape the image. This device helped show she has two masses wrapped around her larynx which could eventually suffocate her if they aren’t removed. Unfortunately Hospital Hilario Galindo doesn’t have the equipment to treat her life-threatening condition. Having a clear video to send to providers will help get her the life-saving treatment she needs.
I reflect on Pastor Kristin’s message that “moments can change everything.” I watched in awe as the team surrounding this procedure prepared for things to change in an instant. Anesthesiologist Director, Lesley Johnston, performed the Laryngoscopy and said Sara’s facial features suggested a potential difficult airway. She was prepared to pivot should Sara’s airway collapse or become obstructed. Dr. Johnston and Dr. King had to work closely, sharing the airway, to determine the proper diagnosis.
Sara came through the procedure very well. Dr. King gently explained the severity of Sara’s issue to her grandmother and told her there would be many people involved in figuring out a plan for her granddaughter. She wept but was grateful for the extended care the medical team was providing.
Thank you, Lord, for Sara’s miracle. And thank you for having the backs of our incredible team.
Shari Correll, Team Photographer and Blogger
