"A gift from God.": Maria Mejía Marroquin's OpWalk Story

For Maria Mejía Marroquín de Pacheco, a knee replacement surgery was a “gift from God.” 

Maria has had knee problems for many years, suffering from intense pain that limited her ability to stand, walk, and even play with her grandchildren.  Like many of the other patients, Maria had been placed on an impossibly long list for the surgery, waiting patiently for her turn. 

This year, it finally happened. 

Along with members of her family, Maria traveled the 3-hour journey from La Democracia Escuintla to Antigua. 

“I thank God that I was given this blessing,” she said. 

At Obras Sociales, Maria received a total knee replacement to restore her mobility.  

“Life is going to be totally different, because the pain I had before won’t be there anymore,” she said. “I will be able to do things now that I was unable to.” 

With the help of her daughter, Maria has been diligently doing her therapy exercises, and walking around both with and without tools for support. 

In October, the month of “Virgen del Rosario,” she celebrated her birthday by visiting the Santo Domingo basilica, where the image of the version is located. 

A photo captured that day shows Maria posing outside of the church –– calmly, reverently, proudly, standing on her own two feet.