Cinthya Rodriguez of Peru wrote to us and told us the story of her mother, Giovanna. Cinthya is a cyclist who competes internationally. In 2017, her mother, Giovanna was hit by a truck while riding on a motorbike alongside her daughter in a group training ride. Her leg was severely injured which led to amputation. Cinthya wrote in desperation, she wanted to support her mom as she had supported her throughout her life and specifically, in support of her professional cycling pursuits.
Our LEGacy Room is where we store prosthetic parts donations. We use parts locally whenever possible, but some parts remain, allowing us to work with international partners to supply the needs of amputees in need across the world. We were quickly able to find parts that Giovanna needed, packed them up and sent them to Peru.
Cinthya wrote soon after we sent the parts saying, “My family and I are so grateful with tears in our eyes for what you did for my mom, she didn’t expect this to come so soon.”
Giovanna wrote, “God bless you and your family for giving me what was impossible for us to get. I now have a leg that improves my quality of life. Thank you very much to your organization. From Iquitos Peru, I say goodbye to you.”
Cinthya and Giovanna. Giovanna is pictured with her former prosthetic as she carried the torch in the Parapan games in Lima in 2019. This prosthetic caused considerable hip pain for Giovanna.
