Opinion – Front Line: Flor Menina wants to be a ballerina

I once received a referral request from the pediatric ward. The patient was thirteen years old and was recovering from a delicate post-operative period under any circumstances, something more for someone who was starting to become a teenager.

A chronic illness in his left leg resulted in an amputation of the limb, as the surgical wound became infected, the request came for me, the infectious disease specialist, to guide antimicrobial therapy.

When I arrived to evaluate, the girl was in bed, hugging a teddy bear that was comforting her.

Good morning, Miss. What is your name?

Flower!

Much pleasure! And what does this Flor girl want to be when she grows up?

Ballet dancer.

Flor looked up and broke into a half smile.

How beautiful!

I guided the treatment to the pediatric residents, the antibiotic would be the least challenging part of the case.

I learned that Flor was discharged in improvement, and it was necessary to continue with the medication at home.

After a few weeks I received a request for consultation at another hospital, a referral service in rehabilitation, for a thirteen-year-old girl named Flor!

When I got to the room I saw that cute teddy bear in the foreground at the bedside, and the same girl Flor being attended by the physical therapist.

Another course of antibiotics was necessary, after the wound had healed, a prosthesis was molded and now she is waiting for her new prosthetic limb to be made.

By chance, I met Miss Flor in the outdoor patio, where the sun is shining and the children undergoing rehabilitation play and gain new skills from the care of the multidisciplinary team. She looked in amazement at the poster * that she invited to the show of a ballerina who had her leg amputated and wore a prosthesis with a pointe shoe. Flor danced with her arms in circles, opening, and looking to the future.

How Cecília presented us with her verses: this tiny girl wants to be a ballerina.

Flor girl, graceful and determined, is going to be a ballerina.

*Image of the poster was posted on the Lucy Montoro Network Instagram. You can view it by clicking here.