Fourteen-year-old Rodens lives in a small rural community about a 45-minute walk from the clinic. He lives with his mother, stepfather, three sisters, and two brothers. His biological father passed away when he was very young, and since then, the clinic has often played an important role in his life. The first time he came to us, he was only 43 months old. Over the years, our doors have always been open to him in moments of need.

But his most recent visit is one none of us — especially Rodens — will ever forget.

One afternoon, Rodens went to bathe in the river that runs along the base of the mountain near his home. It was a normal day, just a boy cooling off and playing in the water. Then, in an instant, everything changed. A heavy rock broke loose from the mountainside and came crashing down onto his hand. The impact crushed his thumb, leaving him in overwhelming pain.

His mother and stepfather reacted immediately. Scared but determined, they carried him straight to the clinic. When they arrived, the medical team moved quickly. Pain medicine was given, his hand was cleaned and stabilized, and the staff prepared him for the next steps. Because the injury was so severe, they arranged for him to go to a hospital the next day for further evaluation.

At the hospital, tests showed the extent of the damage: the bone in his thumb had been badly crushed. Emergency surgery was the only option. During the procedure, doctors placed two metal rods into his finger to support and protect the bone while it healed. He stayed in the hospital for three days before returning to the clinic to continue his care.

Knowing how far the family lived and understanding their financial difficulties, the clinic decided to keep Rodens on site so he could receive daily dressing changes, medication, and careful monitoring. Our staff cared for him closely, making sure he felt safe and supported during every step of his recovery.

Today, Rodens is healing. His hand is slowly regaining strength and shape thanks to the ongoing care he receives. His family is very thankful — not only for the medical treatment, but for the compassion and support that carried them through an incredibly difficult moment.