Mieraf

Here's another update on Mieraf, the 11 year old Ethiopian girl that Rick Hodes (the star of Making the Crooked Straight, MF09) treated. She was able to get the surgery, thanks to the prize money (supplemented by audience members) from our Moving Mountains Award.From Rick Hodes:Hi David,Mieraf has gained at least 6 inches, and is a bit frail, but easilywalking and doing well. I anticipate that with a return to her family,cooler temperatures and more familiar food, she will do really well. Ikeep them out of school for several months after surgery, so she willhave time to read on her own and walk longer distances every week.I will see her tomorrow for a more thorough exam, and post-op photosand xrays, so that I can have a post-surgery baseline.Many thanks!Best wishes for a great year,Rick

A picture of Mieraf from the back, pre-surgery.

A group shot of fellow spine surgery patients. She is fourth from the left with the glasses. You can see from the reverse picture (below) how dramatically different her spine is.