MIAMI (WSVN) - An 11-year-old double amputee is making strides thanks to the doctors and nurses at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Victoria Thermitus was born in Haiti with two inverted feet, making it difficult to walk. She was the only surviving baby in a set of triplets.
With limited access to medical care, her family could do little to help her.
When an earthquake hit Haiti six years ago, her legs were further damaged from rubble falling on top of her.
Victoria moved to Miami to live with her aunt last year. In March, the day after her 11th birthday, she underwent a double amputation at Jackson.
Then she was fitted for prosthetics, and is now learning to walk on her new legs.
Victoria’s physical therapist said Victoria has had to re-learn how to walk.
“This level of amputation is generally very hard, especially when it’s on both legs,” he said. “The fact that she’s so young … It’s re-learning everything you thought you knew about walking.”
Victoria is always excited to work, the physical therapist said.
“She’s a great little girl. Hard worker, just wanted to jump, get right into everything,” said Victoria’s physical therapist. “She was excited about everything. She never complained. She’s been a joy to work with.”
Victoria’s aunt, Marie, said she is impressed with how fast her niece is learning to walk.
“When she had the surgery, she goes to school after that, after one week, she goes to school, when she go there, she was walking on her knees,” Marie said.
Victoria’s goal is to walk and see her mom and dad on Christmas.
“I’m going to see my family and my friends,” she said.
Victoria is also proud of the chores she’s now able to do around the house.
“I clean the dishes and around the house,” she said.
Victoria wants to be a pediatrician when she grows up.
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