When Katy was a baby, she cried a lot. Her family didn't know why or what to do about the crying. After noticing a deformity in her leg, they took her to a pediatrician and the x-rays showed fractures in the tibia, fibula, humerus and ribs. The pediatrician confirmed the suspicion of Osteogenesis Imperfecta and gave the same diagnosis to Katy's dad.
Katy’s dad did not realize that he had the disease. His mother was epileptic and dropped him several times as a child while she was seizing. He didn’t know why his bones fractured so easily, but he didn’t have the money or resources to be treated. He has had so many bone fractures that his legs are too weak and small to walk. He uses a skateboard to get around. He works as a taxi driver and uses a modified car. He also sells hand-made Guatemalan trinkets at the airport. Katy’s mother suffers from bilateral hip dislocation and walks with assistance. She does the designs for the trinkets and stays at home to care for Katy.
The family discovered The Moore Center because Katy’s dad met one of the medical mission teams at the airport and they shared the work of the Center. Katy has been a patient since she was four. The mission teams work to strengthen her bones and correct the deformities. They hope to send her to the United States where she can receive multidisciplinary care for the disease.
The family is incredibly grateful for the treatment that they have received. Katy’s dad greets all of the mission teams at the airport to welcome them to Guatemala. Because of the continued care that Katy receives, they spend a lot of time at the Moore Center. Katy has a room that has been designated at Katy’s Room. After all that Katy has been through, she remains a happy, cheerful little girl. Everyone who meets her, falls in love with her attitude, maturity and beaming smile.
What makes The Moore Center unique is the potential for different US mission teams to offer ongoing care to patients. Katy has received six different surgeries from three different mission teams. These teams can communicate with each other and The Moore Center to coordinate her treatment and stay updated on her progress. Through your support, Katy can continue to receive the care she needs to live a long, healthy life.
