José Permillot Salgado’s journey with diabetes mellitus type II spans over three decades. However, his connection with MEDLIFE began on a pivotal day: October 6, 2011. Ruth Varona, our dedicated patient follow-up program coordinator and nurse, embarked on a mission to visit Permillot at his residence. This visit was spurred by an email alerting us to his deteriorating health. The alert came through a friend of our international liaison, Angie Vidal, who had been closely acquainted with Permillot’s family.
A Personal Connection
Hailing from Lima, José is known for his playful demeanor. He often engages in light-hearted banter and humor rooted in the vernacular of Peru’s southwestern coast. At nearly 67 years old, his driving force is his grandchildren—Karissa, José Jesús, and José Antonio, aged 10, 8, and 6 respectively.
Extending a Helping Hand
Following several clinic visits and comprehensive medical support, including the necessary amputation of his right leg, MEDLIFE delivered a new wheelchair to José’s residence on November 5th, 2011. In a heart-to-heart conversation, José confessed his regret at not taking preventive measures earlier. He lamented, “I consider myself an idiot for not having done anything when I could have… and now I might lose my second leg as well.”
A Reflective Journey
José, once an active street vendor known for his breakfast delicacies and weekend soccer games, now resides with his wife, Ruth, and two eldest grandchildren in Lima. Despite the challenges, he remains determined to witness his grandchildren’s growth, grateful for MEDLIFE’s unwavering support.
In José’s inspiring journey, we witness the core principles of the MEDLIFE patient follow-up program come to life. It’s more than just addressing immediate medical needs; it’s about nurturing long-term well-being and fostering a sense of empowerment. Through personalized care, ongoing support, and active community engagement, we’re dedicated to transforming lives, one patient at a time.
