Methodist Gives Maria Reason to Smile
By Monrovia Weekly
Published: Thursday, May 15th, 2008
Above, Maria Lugo faces the media with her mother at her side at Methodist Hospital last Thursday – Photos by Terry Miller (Before photos courtesy of LIGA.)
Methodist Hospital in Arcadia transformed one little girl’s life by donating services of an anesthesiologist, doctors and nursing care for the delicate surgery to remove a large non-malignant tumor from Maria Lugo’s face.
Maria Lugo and her mother, Noemi were flown from Mexico by LIGA , the Flying Doctors of Mercy. Since 1934, LIGA has been dedicated to improving the health & well-being of the people of Sinaloa, Mexico by providing free health care & education to those unable to afford such care.
The softball-sized tumor on Maria’s jaw was removed and her recovery remarkable.
Last week, doctors and hospital administrators held a press conference to show off the success of the surgery and give those involved a chance to speak such as Dr. Jon Tyrell (general Surgeon), Dr. Bala Chanrasekhar (plastic surgeon), Dennis Lee CEO Methodist and Tim and Pat Murphy the pilots who flew Maria and her mother from Las Brisas, Mexico to California for the surgery.
When Maria and her mother emerged from the Methodist boardroom to face members of the media, Maria was understandably shy and seemed overwhelmed by all the attention as she clutched her mother’s hand while leaning into her mother’s body for protection.
Managing to brave a smile, perhaps for the first time in years, Maria beamed when she realized she is a pretty 7-year-old, who will no longer be the subject of unwanted stares from strangers.
The procedure was essential for Maria’s jaw as her health was seriously compromised by the tumor and could have affected and/or restricted airflow completely.
The combined traditional and plastic surgeries transformed not only Maria’s appearance, but the spirit of the young girl and her mother immeasurably.
Through the voice of translator Keiry Montoyo, Noemi Lugo expressed profound thanks to the staff of Methodist for the exceptional care and kindness shown to her daughter during and after the procedure.
Maria and Rocha Lopez were staying with family in Oxnard until they returned to Mexico this week.
Maria and Noemi Rocha Lopez said they are eagerly awaiting the return trip home to be with family. Noemi’s husband remained in Mexico with their other two daughters and two sons.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for us,” said Methodist Hospital president Dennis M. Lee, “to showcase this special miracle.”
By Terry Miller
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