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Staying Healthy

Boy With 'Frozen' Limbs Gets Life-Changing Surgery

Wilian Fuentes Just Wants To Be Like Other Boys

POSTED: 3:22 pm MDT April 30, 2004
UPDATED: 7:10 pm MDT April 30, 2004

An 8-year-old Honduran boy is in Fort Collins, recovering from what could be a life-changing surgery.

Video

Wilian Fuentes was born with a rare condition that has left him unable to use his feet or hands. His joints were basically frozen in place and for all of his life, he's had to rely on others to help him dress and to help him eat.

Wilian's journey to the operating room at Poudre Valley Hospital from his home in Honduras began almost two years ago when one of the doctors involved in his surgery spotted him and his father, Tomas Fuentes, at a clinic there.

Like any parent, Tomas Fuentes is hoping that after the surgery, Wilian will be able to walk and care for himself and like other 8-year-old boys, just play soccer.

"I'm sorry for crying, I just love him so dearly," said Tomas Fuentes, through a Spanish translator.

Wilian Fuentes playing

"I want to play with a ball and throw it up," Wilian said, shyly.

His doctors, though, have more conservative and perhaps more realistic goals. Their hopes are simply that the surgery will help him live the best life he can.

Doctors at Poudre on Friday moved Wilian's right hand to a position near his face, in hopes he'll be able to feed himself. The surgery team was hoping to operate on both of his hands and both his feet Friday but could not because Wilian had a reaction to the anesthesia.

The doctors will finish what they started in about two weeks. Then he'll be fitted with braces for his legs.

We'll keep you updated on his story. Watch 7NEWS throughout the coming months for more.

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