Laurencia, a 25-year-old idiopathic scoliosis patient from Dominica, has successfully undergone a transformative surgical procedure at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, showcasing World Pediatric Project (WPP)’s unwavering commitment to pediatric care.
Despite initial setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that she is currently over the age limit of patients typically assisted by WPP, this remarkable journey became a reality through the generous support of Bon Secours.
Laurencia’s medical journey began in her childhood when she was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis. Unfortunately, her home country lacked the medical infrastructure required to address and rectify her complex condition. For twenty-five years, she lived with this condition without receiving the necessary surgical intervention. Laurencia’s path to medical treatment took an unexpected turn when her scheduled journey to Richmond was abruptly canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving her in urgent need of specialized care.
Throughout these challenging times, Laurencia and her devoted mother Bernecan displayed extraordinary patience as they eagerly awaited the moment when she could finally undergo the vital surgery that promised to significantly improve her quality of life.
World Pediatric Project and Bon Secours-Richmond Partnership
The tremendous support and collaborative efforts that Laurencia and her family received on this journey have left them overwhelmed with gratitude. Laurencia’s successful surgery was made possible through the combined dedication of WPP and the generous support of Bon Secours-Richmond. Under the care of Chad Aarons, MD, of Bon Secours – Tuckahoe Orthopedics and her medical team at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital, Laurencia received a posterior spinal fusion. The procedure was a success.
Laurencia is currently in the process of recovery in Richmond, and she will continue with physical rehabilitation until her anticipated return to Dominica next month. Her journey to health stands as a testament to the positive impact that determination can have on the lives of those in need. It emphasizes the unwavering commitment of both WPP and Bon Secours to provide accessible and compassionate care, despite obstacles encountered.
World Pediatric Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to healing children and advancing local healthcare capacity in the world. Since 2001, WPP has sent pediatric diagnostic and surgical teams to low-resource countries in the Caribbean and Latin America and linked children to centers of healthcare excellence in the U.S. and beyond for care, mobilizing more than $210 million in services through in-kind contributions and supply donations to reach more than 20,000 children. For more information, visit worldpediatricproject.org, Facebook / Instagram, and follow WPP on Twitter.
