“I have twins,” the mother told me. “But only one of them has a problem.”

“My son,” she continued.  “The doctors say he has a club foot. He gave me an appointment to go back, but it’s too expensive to go back to the hospital in Quiche. Can you help?”

Many of our patients cannot afford to travel to the larger medical centers located in the cities several hours from their communities. Even if they could go one or two times, it can become prohibitive to go the multiple times that might be necessary for physical therapy. Closer options with a more affordable cost are needed.

This is one of the reasons I started and am continuing to grow Therapy Clinics International. Physical therapy is a need, not a luxury service, for many in rural communities.  At times, physical therapy can provide relief in place of medicines or other more expensive treatments like surgery. Other times, they complement one another. Regardless, many people in lower resourced countries around the world and areas in the United States cannot access available services. Other countries have no rehabilitation services at all.

As I evaluated her one-month-old son, I commented on a recent visit to a friend who had just had twins. I knew it would be hard work, but I saw firsthand how much more difficult it is to have two babies at one time. As we talked, she shared she didn’t have just her mom helping, but her mother-in law as well. Even so, she was exhausted and overwhelmed by the surprise of twins!

I was reminded of how much more people in other countries not only rely on, but  also work together as a much larger family unit. And for me, it gives our ministry even greater impact as we work in these places to share about our services and be a beacon of grace and truth.

“Your son seems to be moving both his feet well at the moment. Did you say the doctor said it was just one foot or both?” I asked.

“Just one,” responded the mother. “I wish I would have asked which one.”

As the fatigue washed over her face, I told her it was okay. At this point I didn’t see anything severely wrong with either foot, so I showed her some things she could do at home. She appeared grateful.

We will follow up with him at three months to see how he is growing and developing, providing the needed help as able. At the same time, we will continue to support and encourage the mother and the other families in prayers and the hope and strength that comes from knowing Him.