Quake Survivors Reunited At Miami Children's Hospital
MIAMI (CBS4) - Big hugs and smiles all around as child from Haiti who were treated at Miami Children's Hospital after a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake were re-united with the doctors and nurses who took care of them.
"I honestly thank God," said earthquake survivor Junior Tinus who thanked those who took care of him. "I thank Miami Children's. If you see me today, I'm not dead and I want to say thank you."
Wednesday's reunion proved very emotional for Tinus who is able to walk today. It was a very different story days after the earthquake when doctors thought they may have to amputate one of his legs.
"These kids have become a part of our family," said Dr. Chad Perlyn. "Not only as an institution. Everyone here really feels so devoted to these kids as a family, they've become a part of our personal families as well."
Perlyn, a pediatric plastic surgeon, was on one of the first teams sent to Haiti from Miami Children's Hospital after the quake claimed more than 200-thousand lives.
Dr. Andrea Maggioni, who was also part of the first team sent to Haiti, is proud of their successes.
"We look forward to following these kids, their families, along with their stories and their future," said Maggioni.
In total, twenty three children were treated at Miami Children's Hospital, many for life threatening injuries.
