Meet Mariangel! Mariangel was born in a small town called Galerazamba, Colombia, where she was diagnosed in utero with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects mobility, balance and posture.
The news was a complete shock to her mom, Nacira, who was left searching for answers for years. Then everything changed in 2019 when Nicklaus Children’s Hospital pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Monica Payares-Lizano visited her hometown on a medical mission trip through a family created foundation, Fundación Juan Jose Payares Bustos. Dr. Payares met Nacira and learned more about Mariangel’s case.
The start of the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to their travel plans, but Nacira eventually brought Mariangel to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for specialized care and therapy once it was safe to do so.
Mariangel underwent a successful surgery earlier this year, which has greatly improved her mobility. When asked what her one wish in life is, she replied “my wish is to walk.” Watch this sweet girl’s wish come true!
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