A Journey of Hope

In the heart of Ecuador, where dense rainforests sprawl endlessly, and the Amazon River meanders through the untamed wilderness, lies the vibrant city of Quito. This bustling metropolis serves as the gateway to some of the world's most diverse ecosystems. However, our journey transcended the city limits of Quito, deep into the Ecuadorian Amazon, to deliver a life-changing gift to one of Range of Motion Project's patients. As a non-profit organization dedicated to providing prosthetic limbs to those in need, the Range of Motion Project (ROMP) embarked on a breathtaking expedition into the amazon, traversing river crossings and untamed terrain, to offer independence and mobility to those who live with limb loss.

The adventure began at the heart of Quito, where the Range of Motion Project's Executive Director, David Krupa, prepared to undertake a the mission. Aboard his personal vehicle turned mobile prosthetic clinic, we embarked on a journey like no other. Our first destination was Macas, a capital city nestled in the Amazon Rainforest where the ROMP Ecuador team was setting up a remote clinic for the Morona Santiago Region. In Macas, our team assembled including Dr. Nelson Amador, Macas Medical Director, Lauren “LP” Panasewicz, ROMP’s Director of Development and Shanies Kehoe, a strong willed volunteer.

Departing Macas, the journey was anything but simple. As we veered away from the asphalt roads of the city, we found ourselves immersed in rugged terrain that demanded determination from our team. The mobile clinic roared into action, navigating miles of off-roading that led us deeper into the Amazon basin. Towering trees and the music of exotic creatures accompanied our journey, reminding us of the pristine and harsh wilderness we were privileged to witness.

As we ventured deeper into the Amazon, the terrain evolved, and we encountered challenges we had anticipated but were still a bit nerve wracking. River crossings are a regular occurrence in the amazon, and the team put their “expertise” together to maneuver the mobile clinic through the waterways with “precision and care”. Each crossing brought us closer to our destination, but the final crossing included a cable ferry made of wood and 50 gallon oil drums. It was powered by one small outboard motor and David pulled his mobile clinic aboard without hesitation.

Amidst the dense jungle and lush greenery, the Ecuadorian Amazon revealed its hidden gems. Diverse indigenous communities call the rainforest their home, each having unique languages, cultures, and traditions passed down through generations. As we approached Yaupi, a remote village near the Peruvian border, a sense of excitement and anticipation swirled around us. This small village is what the recipient of the prosthetic limb, Rodrigo, calls home. Someone whose name we had only heard, was at home, chopping wood and awaiting our arrival.

As David, Dr. Amador, LP, and Shaneis worked meticulously to fit the prosthetic limb, we witnessed a transformation before our very eyes. The patient's face lit up with joy as he took his first steps on the new limb. A triumphant smile spread across his face as he walked towards a soccer ball and started playing with his son in the yard. Even through his tough demeanor, Rodrigo conveyed gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose.

ROMP's mission extends far beyond the individual beneficiaries. While we were busy delivering prosthetics deep in the Amazon, the ROMP Ecuador team was in Macas setting up a brand new satellite clinic for the entire region. With each prosthetic limb delivered, a ripple effect of positive change begins. Empowered with newfound mobility, individuals can reclaim their independence and reintegrate into their communities with confidence. By facilitating access to mobility, ROMP enables these individuals to pursue education, seek employment, and lead fulfilling lives.

The journey from Quito into the Ecuadorian Amazon with the ROMP’s mobile prosthetic clinic was a testament to the power of determination and compassion. Through untamed off-roading, river crossings, and miles of unexplored wilderness, the ROMP team exemplified the true spirit of humanity. The delivery of the prosthetic limb to Rodrigo symbolized the profound impact that a non-profit organization like ROMP can have on the lives of individuals in need. As we returned to Quito, the memories of the journey will forever echo in our hearts, reminding us of the indomitable human spirit and the profound difference that hope and mobility can make in the lives of those less fortunate.

Photos, Video, and Words by Santino Martirano