After years of searching for an expert provider in limb deficiency, Ramses’s family learned about LuskinOIC from a cousin living in El Centro. Through our International Children’s Program (ICP), Ramses received treatment in our Border Clinic in Mexicali and he was immediately referred to our CEO, Dr. Anthony Scaduto.

His mom said Ramses was afraid of starting kindergarten, and though it was a little uncomfortable at first, he is feeling more confident and is actually a class leader now. When asked what he most looks forward to doing with his hands, he says he wants to be able to play with his friends.

Allison has been an International Children’s Program (ICP) patient for 5 years. LuskinOIC doctors had followed her spine deformity progression twice a year. Due to rapid progression, Dr. Bowen decided to perform surgery in October 2022. The surgery has been a life changing event and Allison no longer feels pain. There is evident correction of the spine and her mom shares that Allison feels more confident in school. Having recently started dancing classes at school, she looks forward to dancing with her friends in the upcoming spring recital.

Arturo was diagnosed with a cancerous bone mass in his knee when taken to LuskinOIC after playing his favorite game – soccer. Arturo was immediately seen by Dr. Nick Bernthal. Arturo went through chemotherapy and recently had a surgery where Dr. Bernthal used state-of-the-art laser equipment to remove the tumorous bone from Arturo’s knee. He was fitted with a bone replacement made with the same technology, which, like a puzzle piece, was exactly the right size for him. Thanks to LuskinOIC’s generous donors, such as the Charitable Children’s Guild, not only were Arturo’s uninsured medical costs covered, but also his transportation needs for chemo, surgery, and follow-up care.

Karen has been a patient for 4 years due to significant tibia rotation, knee deformity, and leg length discrepancy. As a result, she experienced difficulty walking and overall limited mobility. Due to worsening pain, and after gait analysis carried out at the UCLA Motion Laboratory, Dr. Thompson performed a surgery in 2020. For her recovery, she received a reverse walker, as well braces and physical therapy. She is now able to walk to the park, play with her brother and friends, and be more independent at school. Karen loves coloring and dreams of becoming a veterinarian.

Mateo is in kindergarten, a great student, and loves talking with friends. Because he tends to finish his classwork very quickly, his teacher asks him to help his classmates. He loves it! He has been an ICP patient for 1 year. In January 2023, his first surgery in January 2023 aimed to correct a leg deformity. LuskinOIC CEO Dr. Scaduto will continue to monitor the correction so that Mateo can continue to grow, learn, and play with friends.

Valentina was born with multiple deformities in her feet and spine and had some neurological problems. Living in Mexico, obtaining the care she needed was very difficult. Luckily for her, her family found the International Children’s Program at LuskinOIC. At the age of 2 years old, she was able to receive evaluation and begin treatment in our clubfoot clinic for her bilateral feet deformity, and in our scoliosis clinic for her curved spine. The first order of business for her treatment plan included 2 surgeries for her foot deformity, which significantly facilitated her mobility. She has recently started her scoliosis treatment. With the help of LuskinOIC, Valentina’s dream of becoming a veterinarian, as well as one day visiting New York, can truly happen.