Victor Gutierrez

End Date: Oct 1, 2015 11:00 PM

Victor Gutierrez, his wife Mariana, and their son Richard (4) live in Torti Abajo, one of Global Brigades' holistic communities in Eastern Panama. He was identified as a potential referral case by Keyla Mendoza, a member of GB's community development team, during a community survey.

On April 11th, 2014, Victor Gutierrez and his brother were working their land in Torti Abajo, a community in Eastern Panama. Victor wasn't feeling well, so both men got on the tractor to head home. During the trip back, it is suspected that Victor suffered a stroke, which caused him to fall from the tractor. He was severely injuried by the tractor wheel, and spent three months in the hospital.

The Patient Referral team first met Victor on March 3rd, 2015. He is stable, but has almost no mobility of his limbs, and can only mouth words, not speak. His wife loyally cares for him each day. Victor is mentally aware and very determined to improve. Unfortunately, at this time he cannot express himself beyond the very basics. Since Victor works in agriculture, and not in a formal work setting, he does not receive insurance coverage from the Panamanian government. Since Victor cannot care for himself, his wife, Mariana, cares for him. Because of this, she cannot work to earn an income for the family. Victor and Mariana depend completely on support from their family members in order to put food on the table and care for their son Richard.

The GB Panama team is fundraising to purchase a therapuetic mattress and matrress covers as well as pay for an evaluation from a physical therapist. After the initial evaluation from a physical therapist, the Patient Referral team will decide what next steps we can take to faciliate therapy for Victor.