Katie’s family suffers from a genetic condition, osteogenesis imperfecta, or “brittle bone disease”. Without treatment, the limbs fracture repeatedly, and cannot support the weight of the body. I met Katie’s father on my first visit to Guatemala in 2013. He was working his way around the airport, selling trinkets, riding on a skateboard on top of his folded, non-functioning legs. An extremely pleasant man, he grabbed my attention and asked if there was something that could be done to help his 8 year old daughter. I told him to bring her to the Moore Center, and we would try our best. Six years and 4 operations later, she has metallic implants in her legs that are helping her to stand and eventually walk. She returns to the Moore Center every 3 months for infusions of medication that strengthen her bones. She is learning to read and speak English, and inspires the staff and other patients with her motivation and courage.
