HISTORY:

 The IFPD was contacted by Maureen Bellare with this touching story about Valdisa Santos: “This summer, I had the privilege to be a part of a medical team in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It was a very humbling experience that I would not trade for anything in the world. In one of the slums of Sao Paula, we set up a medical clinic in half of a grocery store. Three doctors, a nurse, and several others saw 100 to 120 patientsper day. Though the medical team was from the United States, we could not have made this clinic possible without several locals who donated their time and hard work to help us. One lady, in particular, worked harder than anyone else. She never complained and always had a smile on her face. Her story touched my heart, as well as those who joined me on this trip. 39 year old Valdisa Santos volunteered her time to be our receptionist at theclinic. She checked the patients in and helped them fill out forms. She alsomade sure that the clinic was clean by sweeping and mopping the floors three times per day. This was a difficult but necessary job since most of the roads inthe area were dirt. Even though she walked with a limp, she never slowed down.I came to find out that she had lost her leg at the young age of 11 in a tragic car accident. She was given a prosthetic leg in her teen years and had outgrown it, which caused the noticeable limp. Though she never complained,we found out from numerous people that she had many infections and sores on her stump requiring antibiotics and medical attention several times a year. When I found all of this out, it really moved me and I decided I wanted to try and help Valdisa in any way possible.”

We were touched by Maureen’s account of Valdisa’s story and decided that we would like to help Valdisa acquire a new prosthesis. With the help of KEITH FROST, CP – Methodist Orthotics and Prosthetics in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA and generations donations by various individuals (see DONATE – THANK YOU) Valdisa received her new prosthetic leg in May 2010.

THE VALDISA SANTOS PROJECT

In order to provide Valdisa with continued prosthetic care, the IFPD has a fund available for Valdisa’s future needs. Donations may be made specific to the fund by putting VALDISA in the dedication field of your donation.

Furthermore, we have created the VALDISA SANTOS PROJECT for individuals (like Maureen Bellare), who meet a disabled person somewhere in the world who inspire them with their courage and who needs assistance to better their quality of life, to contact us and create a partnership to raise funds to provide assistance to such an individual.

Contact us for more details.