Naejil's Feet

Naejil's feet before treatment.

When Super Typhoon Yolanda raged over Coron, Palawan in November 2013 it blew away the house that seven-month old Naejil lived in with his young parents, leaving nothing but the posts.  During a medical mission a few weeks later, Dr. John Tabije of CCT treated the baby for upper respiratory problems, then, seeing that Naiejil had clubfeet, recommended that he be brought to an orthopedic surgeon in Puerto Princesa City, the capital of Palawan.

Although he knew clubfeet are best treated within the first week of birth, Dr. John thought Naejil still had a chance of not having to spend the rest of his life painfully walking on the sides of his feet and suffering the emotional and social problems that come with such a deformity.     

Naejil and his mother, Alyssa, arrived in Puerto Princesa the week before Christmas and met up again with Dr. John . Another check-up revealed, however, that Naejil’s cough had developed into pneumonia and he needed hospital care.  He spent two days in a hospital. 

Mommy Alyssa holds Naejil
 tenderly as Dr. Catacutan
removes his casts after the fifth week.

Dr. Gerard Catacutan, the orthopedic surgeon who finally saw Naejil, recommended six weeks of treatment – the feet would be put in casts which would slowly coax the feet into a normal position.  The casts would have to be changed weekly. Mother and child stayed in the home of CCT volunteer worker Elena while Naejil was being treated. 

Elena, who accompanied Alyssa and Naejil during all visits to the doctor, says, “By the end of the third week we could already see that the feet were looking better!” 

For the last week, Doc Gerard said it would not be necessary to put the feet in a cast.  Instead, he fitted the little one with a special pair of shoes that he has to wear at night.

Naejil's feet after 
five weeks in casts.

Today Naejil is back in Coron and is nine months old. His parents are excitedly looking forward to that developmental milestone,  his first steps.  Thankfully, those memorable steps will not be made on misshapen feet.  And Naejil has an excellent chance of walking through life on two well-formed feet – and maybe even running!  

Note:  Naejil Vince Bura-ay’s medical expenses were covered by CCT.  Elena’s hospitality and care were rewarded when her child, who has rheumatic heart disease, also received medical attention from CCT.