by AfS Photographer Glenn Parry

Day 5 was our final day of surgeries. On arrival at the hospital, we also learned that the whole facility was undergoing a surprise inspection that morning, which meant the local staff was triple checking everything to make sure it was all spotless and perfectly in order.

Our last surgical patient of the day was a little older than most. She was 50 years old and had waited decades for the opportunity, and we were very glad and grateful to be able to provide it for her.

The team checked in on the progress and healing of all the patients from previous days, and shared heartfelt exchanges with them all.

To our friends at Fundación El Cielo Para Los Niños de Ecuador,

Thank you for making this possible!