HUMANITARIAN: The miracle of Makara

The Franco family of Lockport recently hosted Cambodian teenager Makara Thouen while she recovered from surgery to cure a bone condition that, in Cambodia, eventually would have forced amputation of her right leg. The surgery was arranged partly by Deborah Franco, who works for a humanitarian travel organization. Makara, forefront, is shown here with the Francos: Alex, left, Ron and Deborah.

Local medical mission gives Cambodian girl hope for better life

April 26, 2009
By Joyce Miles
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal (New York, USA)

Makara Thouen walked unassisted to her seat on a flight home to Cambodia a couple days ago. It was a miracle facilitated by two Lockport families who opened their homes and hearts to a stranger.

Over a seven-week period, Deborah and Ron Franco, and doctors Helen and Andrew Cappuccino, lived life as they normally do — and changed the fate of a girl who’s about the same age as their own children.

“Things are possible when they seem impossible,” Deborah Franco said. “A team effort is what it takes.”

Before she came to Buffalo in early March, Makara, 14, could not walk without crutches. Her right leg was afflicted with an aneurysmal bone cyst, a tumor that made the bone so weak, she broke it twice the past few years just by walking. In a very poor country, the only “cure” for Makara’s condition is amputation, and a girl who can’t walk is a terrible burden on her family.

Franco, a sales associate for the humanitarian travel agency Raptim International, learned about Makara from an agent of the medical relief mission Operation Renewed Hope and knew she could help. She relayed Makara’s story to her close friend Helen Cappuccino, who in turn passed it on to her husband.

Andrew Cappuccino, an orthopedic surgeon, was prepared to travel to Cambodia in order to treat the girl. When he learned the medical facilities there weren’t sufficient to support the surgery he knew would be necessary, the team effort turned to bringing Makara to the United States.

It was easier said than done.

Franco said Makara’s first attempt at a visa was denied, and it took attorneys in Cambodia more than a year to get that denial overturned.

The Cappuccinos set on the task of recruiting a hospital to host the surgery and had some difficulties. Helen Cappuccino said several children’s hospitals were approached, and all declined, perhaps out of concern for liability.

The only information anyone had on Makara’s condition going into treatment was an X-ray and diagnosis by a Cambodian doctor. Ultimately, the Cappuccinos’ employer, Kenmore Mercy Hospital, signed on for the mission.

Franco worked a deal with Korean Airlines to donate Makara’s round trip. When a seat to the United States came open, she received notice that Makara was finally coming — in two weeks. She drove to Chicago to meet the girl on March 7.

Makara’s surgery consisted of cyst removal, bone grafting and insertion of a metal rod into her leg. Amazing to her sponsors, she was on her feet and submitting to physical therapy in a matter of days.

“It was a one-and-a-half hour surgery, not the marathon that we expected. Makara’s recovery has been phenomenal,” Deborah said.

“She is the strongest, bravest girl,” Helen added. “She came here and faced this all by herself ... and in all this time I don’t think she cried once. She cried a little bit right before the surgery, but that’s it.”

Friends of the Francos and Cappuccinos, and entities friendly to their mission including Lockport Fitness Center and Lockport Kiwanis Club, helped support Makara’s recovery with a variety of thoughtful small gifts.

Meanwhile, the Francos’ and Cappuccinos’ children played big brother/big sister to Makara, sharing her delight as she experienced normal American stuff — computers, rap music, sweet snacks — for the first time. Alex Franco taught her some English and a few songs on the piano. Lizz Cappuccino brought her to school last week.

One of the biggest “firsts” of all for Makara likely was her realization that, after years of struggling with limited mobility, she could walk unassisted again. She marked the milestone with the Francos by throwing her crutches in the garbage, shouting “no more!” as she did.

“The look on her face was pure glee,” Alex said. “Two words, and that huge smile, said everything.”

For her hosts, Makara’s return home Friday was bittersweet. They grew fond of her quickly, and initially thought of letting her stay here until her visa expired in June; but as Deborah and Helen watched the girl more closely they came to believe that would be a mistake. Encouraging her to get more used to American life — and the chocolate and the “I Love Lucy” reruns that she’d already fallen in love with — seemed almost cruel.

“In the village where Makara lives, people walk a mile to get water. They bathe in a river and ... sleep on wooden planks,” Deborah said. “She came to a country full of hope and now she has to go back to a country with no hope.”

While she was here, Makara apparently decided that her goal is to get an education and teach English to Cambodians. To help her realize it, Deborah worked out an arrangement with Operation Renewed Hope to maintain an online trust fund for Makara (www.operationrenewedhope.org). Monthly pledges will be accepted to cover the cost of feeding, clothing and schooling the girl.

Deborah is contributing personally to the effort by writing a children’s book, “The Miracle of Makara,” illustrated by Lockport native Dan DiPaolo. The story will portray Makara’s journey, beginning with her flight from Cambodia.

“It’ll be an excellent, inspiring children’s book,” Deborah said. “It’s a fundraiser for Operation Renewed Hope and the Makara Trust — and also so that Makara will have something to show her grandkids some day.”

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