Courtney Potter (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
Helping Rosa
Silver
International Picture Story
Story: Helping Rosa
Cursed
Rosa Chivian, 9, is a Shuar Indian and recent amputee from deep in Ecuadorian Amazon jungle. Since her people believe that "accidents" are curses from evil spirits, her family fled with Rosa to another province to escape the shame of being "cursed." Now the family is living at the Hospital Vozandes del Oriente in Shell, Ecuador, as Rosa undergoes rehabilitation and learns how to transcend the stigma attached to her malady.
Story: Helping Rosa
Closely Knit
Rosa is the youngest of 10 children, and she is not the only bearer of bad luck in the eyes of her people. The six oldest died during or shortly after childbirth. Though the Chivian family's suffering has lowered their status among the Shuar, it has strengthened their love for their family.
Story: Helping Rosa
Too Late
Rosa's leg could have been saved had the family had access to adequate medicine in the jungle. However, her village in Morono Santiago is a long walk from the biggest town, and there are no doctors there- only Shamans.
Story: Helping Rosa
Carrying Sorrow
Juanita, Rosa's mother, worries constantly about her daughter. She does not have enough money for food, so she feeds her children what she can find and goes to bed hungry each night. "I carry much sorrow in my heart," Juanita says, whose first child died when she was 14.
Story: Helping Rosa
Cleansing
Juanita cares full-time for a healing Rosa while her husband looks for work. The family is not used to using money, since they live communally in the jungle and live off the land.
Story: Helping Rosa
Recovering
Juanita and Rosa practice walking near their hospital compound. The Chivians do not know how to pay for Rosa; they already owe the hospital thousands of dollars.
Story: Helping Rosa
Vigilant
Rosa's parents watch her closely at all hours. "She is getting thinner each day," Juanita says.
Story: Helping Rosa
Together
The Chivians will not be able to stay at the hospital much longer. Though they are terrified of returning to the jungle, they are not accustomed to the Hispanic culture and language in Shell. "We must stay together," says Juanita.