Alabama State University News January 6, 2016 Saving the ‘Life of Reylly’ Author: David Campbell, University Photographer Students who traveled to Peru for a 10-day medical research and internship program were touched by the plight of an 8-year-old boy they encountered in a hospital there and have started a fund to help him receive the medical care that could save his life. Eight-year-old Reylly (pronounced Riley) Gonzales Appgueno often can be found sitting alone in a hospital bed at Hospitale Regionale de Loretto in Iquitos, Peru. In 2012, Reylly was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis Interstitial Lung Disease, a condition that has stunted his growth. The disease carries a grim prognosis. Reylly was one of many patients that Alabama State University students encountered during their 10-day medical research and internship program in Peru in December of 2015. He left an indelible mark on the group’s hearts and lives. The students were captivated by Reylly’s warm personality and enthusiasm for life, despite the health challenges he faces and the poverty that precludes his being able to receive treatments that could save -- or at least extend -- his life. The Hospitale Regionale is one of three facilities where students gained invaluable research and hands-on medical experience through the Tropical Pathology and Infectious Disease Association (TPaIDA) program. Twice each year, TPaIDA director Dr. Lane Rolling leads students from several universities into the hospitals and jungles of Peru. Rolling used Reylly’s situation as one of many teaching moments for the students. “I want everyone to remember this eight-year-old boy,” Rolling said. “You have decided to get in the boat of life with him. This journey is going to be painful for you; I promise. Tears are coming and lots of them. If you quit on him, you have failed God's calling. I want you to remember that you are going to help him to the end, no running or hiding. When his light turns off, I expect you to carry his spirit and smile with you; place it in a small corner of your life. Reylly will be that gasoline that drives your life to do better.” The students took Rolling’s challenge to heart. During the duration of their internship, they visited Reylly day and night, bringing him candy and treats, watching movies and playing games with him. Reylly relished his time with them, showing immense appreciation and love for his new friends. “The TPaIDA internship was honestly a life-changing experience, and for some reason, the night in the hospital with Reylly is what stuck with me the most,” said Myla Marshall, a senior biology major at Alabama State University. “I think about him daily and think of ways I could get back down there to help him as well as the other children.” Marshall and her fellow interns did more than visit Reylly’s hospital room.They learned that Reylly had an opportunity to travel to Lima, Peru, for a treatment that would give him comfort, but he needed a portable oxygen tank to make the trip and lacked the resources to purchase it. The students pooled their resources, raising more than $500 (USD), which Rolling presented to hospital director, Dr. Percy Rojas. A few days later, the students arrived to visit Reylly and found his bed empty. He had gone to Lima for treatment. Rolling has said that one of the goals of the TPaIDA program is to encourage students to examine their commitment to the medical profession through their interaction with patients like Reylly. "I realized that pediatrics is my calling, and I've been invited to TPaIDA phase two where I hope to explore that field more,” said Marshall. “Iquitos taught me compassion, commitment, motivation, and most importantly, a different kind of focus. I love the amount of growth I felt within myself for that short period of time, and I can't wait to see what I will learn about myself in the months’ time I will spend there this summer." One thing that the interns have already learned is the value of giving to others. They now have set up a fund in Reylly’s name to raise money for the transplant that could save his life. “I sincerely hope that we will successfully raise enough money for Reylly to receive the proper health care that he needs,” said Robert Emeh, a junior biology/pre-health major. “As I look forward, I see this collaboration as only the beginning. As we transition into healthcare professionals, I strongly believe that my TPaIDA colleagues and I will still work together to make a great difference in this world.” How to Help To make a donation to Reylly’s fund, visit http://tinyurl.com/z5w5sdw. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 Like us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance/ 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.