by AfS Photographer Glenn Parry
The reality of surgeries and a medical mission is that plans change. How far these parents would go for their child is shown in different moments in the hospital – patiently waiting to speak with the medical team, communicating despite language barriers, the anxious hours when their little one is in surgery and in recovery. It can’t be easy but it’s evident they would do anything to give their child the opportunity to receive the medical care they need.
It was a very special day for Angela who was also celebrating her 10th birthday as she went into the operating room. She saw a mural in the hospital of a snow-capped mountain and told her surgeon, Dr. Chris Zarella, that the mountain in the painting is near her home. He showed her a picture of himself in front of a similar snow-capped mountain near his home in Washington state, and she smiled saying, “It’s the same” in Spanish. The team sang “Feliz Cumpleanos” as she bravely readied herself for surgery.
To our friends at Fundación El Cielo Para Los Niños de Ecuador,
Thank you for making this possible!
Local translator and volunteer Kiara worked hard all week helping the teams communicate together 
The team making their morning rounds in the ward, checking on patients 
Today was Angela's birthday! The team sang to her and brought smiles and joy to her throughout her special day. 
Photographer Glenn connecting with a teenage patient and his mother. 
Pediatrician Paula having fun connecting with her patient. 
A small toy brought the kids so much joy!