Maria's Journey at the Paley Institute | Overcoming Fibular Hemimelia

Celebrating Maria and her incredible journey! Born in Quito, Ecuador, Maria was diagnosed with Fibular Hemimelia, a rare disorder affecting 1 in 40,000 births.
Like many Paley families, Maria’s parents were told that amputation was the only option for their daughter to walk. Refusing to give up hope, they found Dr. Paley and his team. After multiple surgeries and limb lengthening procedures, Maria gained a total of 20 centimeters in length.
Now, Maria has reached an amazing milestone-walking for the first time without a leg length discrepancy and with both feet firmly on the ground. As a competitive swimmer with dreams of becoming a doctor, Maria’s joy, perseverance, and fearless spirit inspire us all. Maria, the sky’s the limit!💜
#PaleyInstitute #FibularHemimelia #PatientSuccess #LimbLengthening #PaleyProud