Today Nico has made a long journey across metropolitan Manila to visit Dr. Bundoc at the Philippine General Hospital. Its his first time to visit the Prosthetics & Orthotics Clinic and his first meeting with the Dr. He does not know what to expect from the time a few months ahead when he will be admitted as a patient and fitted with his own artificial limbs. This is Nico's window onto a future life. One that hopefully will mean greater mobility and independence. The last time we saw Nico he was 12. now he is 15 going on 16 and his body is heavier, his ability to move around has slowed down and due to the nature of his condition there is extra physical pressure on his knees causing him pain and discomfort. There is uncertainty for Nico. Without knees it is unknown how much mobility the new prosthesis will provide him. In terms of advances in medicine and science Dr. Bundoc explains why many brilliant Filipino minds go elsewhere to apply their expertise. Souls like Nico will just have to make do with what ...
