Veronica Condori Morocco

Veronica's Visit - 2012

2012-03-04T18:30:00.000-08:00

(L) Ynes and Veronica relax in garden after arrival in Tampa.

(R) First day at Shriners finds a poster of friend, Luz, in lobby of Therapy Dept.

(L) Therapy with Stephen and Pamela.

(R) Watercoloring, actually a standing therapy.(maybe developing a new skill)

(L) Indoor tennis. Part of "Sports Unlimited" a Shriners event/

(R) Hollywood Vero relaxes after a tough tennis match.

(L) Good Morning!!! Veronica arises for another day of therapy.

Feeding Squirrels is good therapy, at least for the squirrels. Vero has a "Tug-O-War" with a resident garden squirrel over a peanut. The squirrel won.

Keeping up her computer skills.

(L) Birthday Parties are always fun. We celebrated her 13th birthday at LaSeptima Restaurant in Brandon,

(Below Right) Veronica and Ynes' good friend, Linda Parker, joined the birthday party for cake & Ice Cream.

(L) On another day, at Campbells Dairy Isle(yes, another Ice Cream place,) Veronica trys to hide a Strawberry Parfait under the table in case Therapist Pamela sees the photo.

(R) Last day at Shriners, Veronica walks out to the car with Ynes and Pamela.

(L) Last Goodbyes at Tampa Airport. See you next year.

Veronica left Friday evening after a 24 hour delay. On the way to the airport on Thursday we discovered her leg prosthesis was not tight and her footpiece was changing position. A fast phone call to Shriners, some great customer service by American Airlines, and Veronica stayed in Tampa for another day. But, today she is in Lima, Peru, with Ynes and her brother, Juan Carlos. Soon she will be back in Arequipa with sister, Rossmery, until next year. Her visits are always too short. We did not accomplish half of what we wanted to do. But, the important thing is that her equipment is secure, her Therapy has improved her manipulation of the equipment, and she will be back home in time for school. Next year seems so far away.

VERO

2012-02-11T21:46:00.000-08:00

Vero - 2012 - Week #1

2012-02-04T11:35:00.000-08:00

Veronica's first full week in Tampa completed a few days ago. Both Vero and Ynes are doing very well. I posted a few photos to view. They stayed with Nancy and I in Brandon for several days but are now in West Tampa. They will return next week when appointments start again. Veronica says Hello to all her friends, including Luz, who can not be here this year. But as we walked in to the lobby of Shriners Hospital, Luz was there, as a larger than life poster girl for the upcoming "No Limits" sports competion event to be held next weekend. In the second photo, we may have discovered a previously hidden talent for watercolors. Maybe a trip to Michaels Craft Store can be scheduled. More soon.

(You can click on the photos to enlarge them)

You may also drop a line to Veronica by using the COMMENTS link directly below this post. She would be very happy to hear from you and, if you leave an email address, she will send you an email.

Update - April 22, 2011

2011-04-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

Veronica and Ynes left Tampa last week for Peru. They will spend two days in Lima with her brother, Juan Carlos, before heading to veronica's home in Arequipa. From there, Ynes will head home to Nunoa to the rest of her family. Veronica is living with her sister Rossmery while attending school in Arequipa. Click the link for the latest photos: (Click on photo above for a larger view) https://picasaweb.google.com/Pooka711/VeronicaSLastWeekAtShriners?authkey=Gv1sRgCPuh87WJ97q6FA#
Veronica is so happy to now have a prosthesis that looks real. Gone are the two short pipes that supported her last year. Her new ones are amazing. I don't know what we will do for an encore next year. But I do know we will take her dress shopping. We hope to see them again in January, 2012
I expect to be in Peru in June for a week. We will be working in Juanjui, Luz' hometown with a couple of eye doctors. I am hoping to take a few extra days and fly to Arequipa to visit Veronica. I want to get a better idea of her daily living, school, transportation, etc. Maybe even look for that piano teacher.

Update - March 26

2011-03-26T11:56:00.000-07:00

Veronica continues to progress dramatically at Shriners. She thanks those who sent words of encouragement through email. The following is a link to a photo album on Picasa with some of the latest photos. http://picasaweb.google.com/Pooka711/VeronicaMarch26?authkey=Gv1sRgCNeugtTOrZ7vpgE#

She also seems to have some talent at the piano in Shriners breakroom. She would like a friend, Luz Estephanie, who wears a prosthetic on her right arm, to also learn piano so they could perform together. So, let me get this correct now, we need to find a piano teacher who will teach two little girls, one playing with the left hand and one playing with the right hand, to perform as one. Oh!, did I forget to mention, the teacher needs to speak the language, and to be able to travel between Juanjui, Peru and Aerequipa, Peru. I should be so lucky.

Veronica Update - March 16

2011-03-16T19:17:00.000-07:00

We have been very busy this past week with Veronica and Ynes it has been difficult to get the time to relay information. Attached are some photos and I will try to attach a video. Their first two weeks were rather laid back. A few visits to Shriners but little progress. This is because they needed to completely rebuild both her arm and leg protheses. Today she received both new items and walked on her new, longer legs for the first time. This was unexpected as we were only scheduled for a final fitting. But once they strapped them on, no one could hold her back. She walked completely around the Rehab Center. There were tears in many eyes as she walked, but not in Veronica's. She had a smile as big as the Andes. Her next scheduled therapy session is Friday, and then she is scheduled for every day next week, two sessions per day. I will try to update again and post photos as time permits. Click on the following link for photos and a video of Veronica. (If all works as planned) Then clickon 'Slideshow'.
https://picasaweb.google.com/Pooka711/VeronicaAtShriners2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCMr5h4Spy5Tt5AE##

Veronica in Tampa

2011-02-22T10:19:00.000-08:00

Ynes and Veronica arrived February 21 at 8:15 PM after a long day at airports in Lima, Peru, and Miami. Tired and hungry we went to Edy Barturen's home for dinner and some much needed rest. They will spend Tuesday in rest and recovery mode as they prepare for Veronica's appointment at Shriners Hospital, Tampa, on Wednesday. Ynes and Veronica expressed gratefullness to all who helped them make the trip this year.

Veronica's Visit, 2011

2011-01-24T09:41:00.000-08:00

Veronica and her Mom, Ynes, will be arriving in Tampa February 21, 2011 for her annual visit to Shriners Hospital in Tampa. Attempts were made to have her sister, Rosmery, accompany her this year but the plan was rejected by the US Embassy in Lima due to Rosmery's age. Maybe next year. We are anxiously looking forward to their visit.
Please feel free to drop Veronica a message on this blog through the comments link at the end of each posting.

Back in School

2010-04-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

Latest news from Peru is, Veronica is back home in Arequipa and back in school. I gave Veronica some English Language CDs for her to use. They were donated by Barbara Sullivan from the California Language Laboratories in Cupertino, CA. Especially for Spanish speaking students to learn English. Veronica had been using the CDs while at Shriners and has done quite well. She is a good student and a quick learner. We are already looking forward to next year.

Veronica's Visit

2010-03-13T12:40:00.000-08:00

How time flys. It seems like yesterday she arrived at TIA, now she will soon head back home to Peru. Veronica was discharged Friday from Shriners. The past month has been very busy and very tiring on Veronica and Ynes. They are relaxing this weekend with a visit to St Francis of Assisi Church in Seffner and then a relaxing day at home with Edy Barturen.
Their flight back home has not yet been scheduled with American Airlines, but we expect some news on Monday about their departure.
The Therapists at Shriners, Carmen Aranda and Pamela Versage were both sad to see Veronica leave. But they know that she has done well with her therapy and she will return next year. Veronica has such an outgoing personality that she makes friends wherever she goes. She recognizes no limitations on what she wants to accomplish and is determined to reach the goals she has set for herself. We will help in any way we can. Below are some recent photos. You can click on the photos to make them larger for viewing.

Veronica Arrives in Tampa, 2010

2010-02-12T13:01:00.000-08:00

Sunday, February 14, 2010, we'll receive our Valentine from Peru. Veronica arrives at Tampa International Airport at 10:20 AM on American Airlines. We'll head back to Brandon for some late breakfast and then Ynes and Veronica will likely be catching up on their sleep. They leave Lima at 11:45 PM Saturday night, so it will be a long "red eye" flight through Miami.
We are looking forward to their visit. Her first appointment at Shriners is on Monday. Both Veronica and Ynes will be staying at Shriners as an in-patient for a few days. Then she will be discharged while waiting for her prosthesis to be re-built to fit her growing body. They will be staying at Edy Barturen's home in Carrolwood until they are needed back at Shriners for some final fitting and physical and occupational therapy.
Shriners expects Veronica to be here in Tampa for close to six weeks before being discharged to return to Peru until next year.

Lima, Peru

2009-03-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

Veronica is in Lima, Peru. Her and Ynez are living temporarily with Veronicas older brother, Juan Carlos.(see photo) When not looking for a room or apartment for them, Eliana is working with Juan Carlos and Ynez to find a suitable school for Veronica so she can continue her education. Veronica has big plans for her own future and is anxious to get started. Because there is no public financed education in Peru it will require funds to enroll. Eliana is looking into the cost.

If you think you could help in this regard, please let us know, either by a comment on this blog or an email to Chuck or Eliana.

TheLuzFund@verizon.net

Elimorla@yahoo.com

Veronica walks

2009-03-06T18:57:00.000-08:00

Veronica's last three weeks in Tampa were spent as a patient at Shriners Hospital. They wanted her and Ynez to stay so that Veronica's leg prothesis could be fine-tuned and she would be available for intensive therapy. So Ynez and Veronica stayed and Eli and I, and sometimes Luz, visited each day for the moral support she needs. Included here are several photos and a video link that shows her progress.

In the first photo, working with Therapist Pam and Ortho-Tech Daniel. Her first steps, she is very hesitant and unsure of herself.

In the next photo her confidence gets a big boost as Pam continually reinforces that she can do it. Suddenly the big smiles start as Veronica realizes she will walk again.

To view the videos, click on the following link: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pooka711/VeronicaVideo#

There should be three short videos.

Febuary 11

2009-02-12T19:38:00.000-08:00

Shriners is home for a few days. The girls have met new friends,(at right) also here for treatment. Veronica's leg prosthesis needed some more fine tuning by the ortho-techs so her first steps were delayed a day. Meanwhile there was a lot of therapy to be done for her new arm. Shriners Therapist, Carmen, works with Veronica(at right below) as she picks up small pieces and adds them into a dollhouse. Veronica works her new arm and hand very well thanks to the patient attention of Carmen.
The following day is Veronica's first chance to attempt walking with her new legs Because it has been such a long time her legs prosthesis are intentionally short to allow her reawaken muscles which have been dormant and to adapt to new ways to move her legs in the way she wants them to move. It has been quite a difficult procedure but one that she has been looking forward to start.
After balancing and gaining some confidence, Shriners Therapist, Pam, takes Veronica on a walk around the room.(below) It was a happy time for all of us that have watched her progress daily. As she builds confidence and develops her muscles, her legs will be lengthened and more therapy scheduled. Veronica, like Luz, will be back at Shriners for further treatment until she reaches 18 years of age. We are already planning a fishing trip when she is able to carry her own rod and reel back into the swamps of Florida.

Veronica's Big Day Tomorrow

2009-02-08T18:42:00.000-08:00

After a weekend of Gasparilla fun, Monday, Feb 9, Veronica and Ynes will go to Shriners to start a two week stay. Veronica will receive her new left arm and eventually both leg prostheses. Two weeks of intensive therapy that will teach her to walk again and also teach Ynes how to help and care for Veronica. They both have a lot of hard and difficult work ahead. We will all be cheering for her and visiting as often as allowed.

Saturday was spent viewing the Gasparilla parade from Bayshore Blvd. Loads of beads again were showered on the girls and they seemed to enjoy the attention. The viewing area was quite distant from the parade path but many of the participants saw the girls and made a beeline to converse in whatever language pirates and kids use. They both came home heavy with their beaded booty.

Tomorrow the beads and pirates are forgotten and the work begins.

Gasparilla Weekend

2009-02-05T08:49:00.000-08:00

This is a big weekend in Tampa, Gasparilla Invasion. Also a big weekend for Veronica. On Monday she and mom, Ynes, will go to Shriners Hospital where they will spend two weeks of intensive treatment and therapy. Veronica will be receiving her first set of legs that she will need to learn to use before heading back home to Peru. Veronica would love to watch the Gasparilla Parade and participate in the activities. Luz will be there to keep her company. Both Luz and Veronica did have the opportunity to watch the childrens parade last week with the help of Jon and Kerry Incerpi of Tampa. Above are the two piratesses with their booty.

Build a Bear

2009-01-30T18:22:00.000-08:00

After a week of cold weather and trips to Shriners, we head for a visit to the 'Build a Bear' Shop in Westfield Plaza, Brandon. Veronica picks out a bear(rabbit) she wants to bring to life. Luz is helpful having experience(last year) at building bears.

Mom, Ynes, approves of the selection and Veronica helps bring her new love to life by packing with, whatever goes inside of bears, including lots of love and a heart. Veronica has plenty of both, for her and the bear.

A few squeezes, kisses, and just plain warm hugs seals the deal and the bear has a new home.

After the adoption procedure, which included a promise to love, care for, love, feed, love, hug, and also to love, we headed out into the mall for some much deserved Pizza and Cokes.

Thus ends another week in the adventures of two little girls a long way from home.

Decision Day

2009-01-29T19:39:00.000-08:00

Today, Jan 13, is Veronica's second appointment at Shriners. Today we will find out what they can do and how they will attempt to do it.

After making a mold of her left arm, Ortho Tech Brian shows Veronica what her new hand will look like. Size, color, workability all come into consideration as Eli and Ynes look on.

The next consideration for Veronica is her legs. This will likely become an extended project for the techs. Brian and Dan discuss the lack of substantial attachment areas for them to work with. Neither has seen a prosthesis built to be used in such a case. This may become a real advantage for Veronica as Shriners will make a case study of her. This means she will receive added attention from many other professionals in the prothesis manufacturing industry. Because she has not used the muscles needed for walking for over a year, it will be necessary for them to fit her with a set of very short devices to give her time to develop the muscular structure and strength that will be needed as she progresses. They are also building her a special wheelchair to make her everyday needs more accessible.

Veronica and Ynes will return to Shriners on February 9 for a two week stay. During this time she will receive her new arm and a set of temporary legs with some intensive physical therapy as she learns to use them.

Visiting the Manatees

2009-01-28T19:33:00.000-08:00

Not far from the house there is a Tampa Electric power plant. The discharge water is warm and attracts Manatees during the Winter months. We visited the viewing area and Veronica and Luz had their first look at Manatees, sometimes called Sea Cows, they are vegetarians.

Above: Luz and Veronica with Marvin the Manatee

Veronica and Ynes enjoy the fresh air and Manatees

Day at the Circus

2009-01-28T06:48:00.000-08:00

Ringside seats helped to make an entertaining afternoon for Veronica. Although mainly trained dogs, ponies and jugglers, anytime animals are involved it seems to satisfy children. Veronica and her new 'best friend' Luz watched the tricks and performances from their special seats.

After the show it was time to head home for some rest and relaxation. Tuesday, Jan 13 would be a big day at Shriners for both Veronica and Luz. During her first few appointments molds were made for Veronica's arm so she could receive a lower arm prosthetic.

The techs also took a close look and some measurements to see what could be accomplished to help the more complicated task of developing a system for attaching lower extremity prostheses.

Veronica remains positive about her visits to Shriners and encouraged by the cheery attitude of all the staff we encounter. On Tuesday, Jan 13 we will receive information about what will be the best course of action for her continued treatment.

First Day at Shriners

2009-01-05T21:21:00.000-08:00

Today was Veronicas first chance to see the inside of a place she will soon get to know very well, Shriners Hospital Tampa. Not your typical plain colored, starched linens, busy place we are all familiar with, but a warm, comfortable, pleasant place, painted and decorated to ease the mind of any small child who usually has faced more traumatic situations than any of we adults.

Veronica and her mother met with several doctors, nurses, and technicians to start the process that, we hope, will eventually start her on the road to a recovery that will enable her to perform basic living self care and allow her to enjoy many of the same things any other girl her age can. The road back for Veronica is a long one. She has the strong positive attitude exhibited by her new friend, Luz, and the willingness to work to attain her goals. As anyone can see from the photo, both are ready for whatever comes their way. We will work to make sure they receive all they can handle. Veronica's next appointment at Shriners is January 13.

Arrival at Tampa Airport

2009-01-05T21:09:00.000-08:00

Veronica and her mother, Ynes, arrive at Tampa International Airport on Dec 30. Their first time ever out of Peru and first airplane ride. Both arrived looking fairly relaxed, but happy to be back on the ground.
Tired after a long 22 hours after discharge from Los Ninos Hospital in Lima, Peru, we headed back to the house where they would have a chance to unwind and to meet their room mate, Luz.
Then some dinner and early to bed for some much needed rest prior to her first visit to Shriners Hospital in Tampa.