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The Common Language of Caring

Each February, medical professionals from throughout the South work together to heal the bodies and spirits of children in Ambato, Ecuador.

Cary Jobe, Tanner C. Latham

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The Hardest Part

Hundreds of families arrive before daylight the first day of the clinic. They have seen the flyers distributed by the Ambato Rotary Club, and they stand in staggered lines waiting for a chance to be seen. By week’s end, 1,000 cases are examined, and 200 of the priority surgeries are performed. It’s an amazing feat considering the team’s finite time and resources. Even having done so much good, the team’s desire to do more seeps through the seams. “That’s the hardest part,” says Henry. “We do the most pressing ones first, but every mother is begging and pleading. You just can’t save them all.”