In May of 1998 Rafael and Christine Elias took 1200 lbs. of “donated” major prosthetic items to the clinic “Jose Antonio Ltda.” They were joined by 6 volunteers who taught and worked alongside the co-op’s technicians.

The six volunteers were:

1. -Norberto Graf, COP Practitioner (Albuquerque)
   

2. -Jose Alvarez, Prosthetic Technician (Oklahoma City)
   

3. -Alex Sfakianos, NovaCare Physical Therapist (Albuquerque)
   

4. -Doris Lattos, COD (Wisconsin)
   

5. -Denise Lattos (Doris’ daughter) who helped us make computer forms for the clinic's inventory
   

6. -Chad Simpson
   

On this mission, doctors were able to reconnect with one 16 year old girl whom they had met in Sorata on a pervious medical mission in 1997. Twenty other patients were processed for lower limbs and she came to La Paz to get a prosthetic arm. Her joy alone truly made this mission a success.

We all had a chance to learn a good deal about how rehab works and its essence through this experience. The synergies between Orthopedic and Prosthetic Practitioners and Physical Therapists were very apparent during our visit. Alex, the Physical Therapist from Albuquerque, not only assisted amputee training, but also helped in evaluations of some of the patients who had difficulties wearing orthotic devices. Alex also instructed physical therapy volunteer students and native prosthetists on gate training.

Norberto Graf, COP, took the leadership role in teaching prosthetic techniques to the native practitioners and evaluating patient needs. Chad Simpson was extremely helpful in teaching patient care and fabrication. Jose Alvarez (“Nacho”) did a great job teaching fabrication techniques as well.

The very hard work and dedication of each of the volunteers was not just measured by what they did with their hands and their talent, but by the generosity of their hearts.

Doris Lattos said, “We all need to remember that helping make the world  better often has a great deal to do with the personal contributions we make to the less fortunate.”

We felt through these technicians the old saying rang true, if you give a man a fish you feed him for today. But if you teach him how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime. We left enough material for approximately 150 more people to receive prosthesis.

The prosthetic material was donated by NovaCare Sabolich, Buddin’s, and Limbs for life, all of Oklahoma City.