Fausto’s house is situated on the slopes of Cerro Ungui, in a quiet neighborhood in Quito, Ecuador. A cool breeze envelops the morning before the sun begins to warm the day.  From the front porch spans a coveted view of the south side of the city. 

Jessica, a native of the capital, greets the day and her nine-year-old son, Fausto, with a warm smile. Sitting at their dining room table, Jessica describes the challenges they faced since Fausto’s birth. Her eyes reflect the emotion of the struggles and victories the family experienced, all worth it now looking at Fausto, who is brimming with contagious energy and tenderness.

Jessica’s pregnancy was normal, without complications, and thanks to the special care from her mother. She smiles as she remembers her overwhelming cravings for bananas and bread.  

After patiently awaiting the arrival of her son, once Jessica went into labor things began to happen quickly; she barely made it to the hospital in time to deliver. Soon after Fausto was born, she learned that he had clubfoot. The news was overwhelming. Jessica describes her mixed emotions: joy at the birth of her first child and uncertainty at the unexpected diagnosis. “It was a shock,” she admits. Despite having followed all medical instructions, she couldn’t help but feel guilty. “What have I done wrong?” she wondered, “Was it because of something I ate or some medication I didn’t take?” 

However, the family was thrilled about the birth and did not let Fausto’s clubfoot diagnosis rob them of that joy. “From then on, my child was our priority,” Jessica recalls. The hospital staff only offered vague advice about treating clubfoot with surgery that did not inspire confidence so Fausto’s father began to look for alternative treatments. He found the answers he was looking for at Fundación Hermano Miguel, MiracleFeet’s local partner, where he learned from staff members about the diagnosis, the Ponseti treatment, where to find it, and what it involved. The information, expertise, and reassurance he found at Fundación Hermano Miguel inspired the trust they needed as first-time parents.  

On the fourth day of Fausto’s life, with great faith and new knowledge, he begin treatment. Plaster casts were applied to Fausto’s little feet followed by a tenotomy. From then on, he wore a brace to prevent relapse. 

Jessica remembers with emotion the day Dr. Mancheno told them Fausto would not need to use his brace any longer, “It was a moment of victory,” Jessica describes. The doctor also encouraged them not to limit Fausto from any activities. It was the outcome his parents had hoped for since his birth. 

Fausto’s ability to attend school had always been a point of concern for his parents and grandmother and one reason they were hesitant to begin treatment for fear that he wouldn’t be able to walk to school. Yet Fausto began school at the age of three, no different from his peers. “Seeing him walk without his brace during that day was a great relief and cause for celebration for the entire family,” recalls his mother. 

Today, Fausto fully enjoys school, where he attends with his best friends and his younger sister. Thanks to early detection and treatment, his childhood is full of all the activities a young boy thrives on: soccer, hide-and-seek, riding his bicycle. He is an outstanding student and says he wants to become a “commander general.” In his spare time outside of school and homework, he lends his mom a hand helping in the small shop she runs. When asked what he hopes for other children, he says he just wishes them all a loving and supportive family like his. 

Fausto’s timely treatment not only improved his quality of life but also strengthened his family ties. Seeing him through treatment caused his family to grow closer and to value every moment and celebrate every achievement. 

Jessica reflects on the impact of treatment on Fausto’s life: “My son is a warrior. Watching him run and play with other children is the greatest reward. We learned that, with love and perseverance, even the most difficult obstacles can be overcome.”