“When Can I Play Soccer Again?": Alfonso Romeo Sandoval Salazar's Patient Journey

As a farmer in rural Guatemala, Alfonso Romeo Sandoval Salazar has a close connection to the earth. In his town of Monjas, Jalapa –– about four hours from Antigua –– he tends to crops of mostly beans and corn. 

But for the last ten years, doing this work has become nearly impossible. 

“Some days the pain was just too great and I couldn’t work,” he said. 

Upon seeking help for his condition, which required a bilateral knee replacement, the public hospital told him that the only place where he could be taken care of was Obras Sociales. That was four years ago. 

“I know four years isn’t a long time,” he said. “But it felt really long to me.” 

From day one, Alfonso’s bright eyes and easygoing nature made others gravitate towards him. He greeted everyone with warmth, kindness, and a desire to share his gratitude.

Early on recovery, Alfonso was ready to get up and back in motion. He asked one of the nurses when he could play soccer and seemed antsy to get out of the hospital bed.  

By the day that he left Obras Sociales, Alfonso said that his life had already changed. 

“I am already seeing the difference in my knees right now,” he said. “I thank God and every person on this team who has helped me.”

When asked what we wanted to do upon returning home, he said, “Rest and follow the instructions that they gave me.” 

But true to his spirit, it was not long before Alfonso was out and about. In a video a few weeks after his surgery, Alfonso is strolling down the street with his walker, gesturing to and talking about his crops. 

After taking a few steps, Alfonso pauses and a slight smile comes over his face. “Tell them I can even carry it!” he yells to his daughter, who is filming. 

In a split second, he gingerly lifts the walker over his head and continues forward, putting one foot in front of the other. You can watch the video here.