Finding Harmony en La Ciudad de la Esperanza

 Today was my first day at La Ciudad de la Esperanza and I already feel like I’ve gained a lifetime of memories. Walking into the clinic, I was amazed by the abundance of laughter and vibrant colors that characterized the space. I started my day on the physical therapy rotation with Dr. Deb, where I got the chance to assist patients in their rehabilitation efforts. It was amazing to see them persevere through their pain and push themselves to improve. However, there was one patient in particular who truly made my day unforgettable.

I had the privilege of meeting a patient that was new to the clinic. He is an eight-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, and has the brightest smile. His mom explained how she carried him around 24/7, making it difficult to complete various tasks throughout the day. We were able to give him the last children’s wheelchair, ultimately helping his mother and giving him a new means of transportation. My heart completely melted when we gave him that wheelchair. It was red and matched his sneakers perfectly. We also learned that he loves music and listening to music helps him calm down when he is upset. We gifted him and his mom a speaker to listen to his favorite songs. He immediately pulled the speaker to his ear, nodding his head to the beat. Watching his face light up as he rode in his wheelchair while listening to his favorite tunes was such a beautiful moment.

Later in the day, I moved to the pharmacy rotation, where I had the chance to connect with even more patients. We shared prayers and laughs, and it was so humbling to experience the gratitude they expressed.

As I reflect on my first day, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me and how I’ll grow as both a student and a person. This experience has already opened my eyes to the power of human connection and how little things can make a world of difference in someone’s life. The little boy’s passion for music reflects how we can all find harmony in life’s simplest moments. Similar to how one note is essential to a song, each small joy shapes who we are.

Con amor,

Ava DeBell