Boanerges in Nicaragua

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United to overcome Boarnerges’ disability

Boanerges Hernández Gutiérrez, aged 13, had his legs amputated following a road accident. With the help of his family, he is now fighting to get his life back to normal.

Boarnerges is one of eight children. When he was eight years old, he was involved in a serious road accident whilst out buying grocery with his brother. As a result, both his legs had to be amputated. When Boarnerges was finally discharged from hospital, he returned home to face reality: he no longer had complete mobility, couldn’t play football anymore…

His parents, already facing extreme poverty, knocked on all doors hoping for financial contributions towards getting artificial legs for their son. During their search, they got in touch with our partners Los Pepitos, an organisation for disabled people. In the heart of their centre for children with special needs, Boanerges learned how to make piñatas*. He subsequently passed on the skills he had learnt to his family, who in turn opened up a small shop of piñatas to increase the household income.

Thanks to the support of his parents, brothers and sisters and our partner Los Pepitos, Boanerges received his artificial legs in 2001 at the orthopaedic centre of La Trinidad Hospital. Handicap International has been supporting the refurbishment of the orthopaedic centre and providing training to the local rehabilitation team.

*Object made of cardboard which contains sweets and surprises. Hung by a cord, it must be struck with a stick until it rips releasing all the goodies. They are used at birthdays and baptisms etc. 

Read more about our work in Nicaragua.