Patient Stories
Helping those who need it most
Adrianna after her life-changing surgeries.
Adrianna Robles has a lot to smile about. The vibrant 14 year old is enjoying high school with added confidence, thanks to life-changing care she received from Thomas Vecchione, MD, and Scripps Mercy Hospital’s Mercy Outreach Surgical Team (MOST). The team provides medical and surgical care to underprivileged children and adults from other countries.
Born in Zacatecas, Mexico, with a cleft lip and palate, Adrianna first met Dr. Vecchione when she was nearly a year old. Her mother had brought her to a MOST outreach event, hoping volunteer physicians could perform corrective surgery. Unfortunately, Adrianna had a cold that day that prevented Dr. Vecchione from helping her.
Adrianna’s determined mother did not give up. Six months later, she traveled to Scripps Mercy Hospital to be a part of Mercy Day — a MOST event that provided medical services to children from Mexico. Adrianna received the first of three surgeries, enhancing her speech and natural beauty.
“I’m proud to be a part of MOST; it’s the best thing I do,” says Dr. Vecchione. “The transformations we see are amazing — not just physically, but emotionally, too.”
Each year, Dr. Vecchione joins MOST volunteers as they travel to Mexico to set up field surgical programs that provide needed care, supplies and equipment to local communities. As a result, MOST has served more than 9,000 children and adults like Adrianna, and has uplifted the spirit and self-esteem of those who often have limited access to health care.
“I thank my mom for taking me to see Dr. Vecchione,” says Adrianna. “Otherwise, I think my life would have been much different. I think it’s great that MOST helps kids like me.”