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In January, 2002, the medical team from Gehlen Catholic
Mission Honduras, examined a young boy, Francisco Torres, from Agua Caliente.
The treating doctors suspected major heart problems. Without proper care,
they feared for his life. A combined effort of Mission Honduras LeMars,
Gehlen Catholic Mission Honduras, and Paul Tschan from the Mayo Clinic,
Rochester, MN, brought Francisco to the Mayo Clinic in the spring of 2002.
Francisco was accompanied to the United States by Tacha Alvarado and stayed
in Rochester, MN, during Francisco’s surgery and care. Francisco was
diagnosed at the Mayo Clinic with Tetralogy of Fallot and the treating
doctors gave him approximately one month to live.
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Francisco
with Francis Seivert, shortly after surgery |
Francisco
with Richard Seivert, director of MHL |
His surgery was performed in April, 2002, by Dr.
Dharani. The surgery was a great success; Francisco returned to Honduras a
healthy young boy. He has been examined during each January medical mission
team and found to be in excellent health. Much thanks to Paul Tschan, the
Board of Governors of the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Dharani, Iowa Senators Tom Harkin
and Charles Grassley, and Iowa Congressman Tom Latham. Many thanks as well
to Sr. Barb Zimmer and Sr. Val Knoche for all their efforts in getting
Francisco to the United States.
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Cristobal,
Richard Seivert, and a healthy Francisco, March, 2005 |
Francisco
Torres, April, 2006 |
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