Nicaraguan’s prayer answered in Chicago

By Michael D. Wamble
STAFF WRITER

If one had only the infectious laughter and smiles exchanged between Nicaraguan Harry Correa Lopez and his “host mom,” Lourdes Castro, one would never believe he came to Chicago for surgeries that will save his life.
“It’s like we’ve known Harry all of our lives,” said Castro, clasping his hand, as she sat next to him on her living room couch.

“She really has spoiled me,” said the 20-year-old of Castro, who has involved her parish, St. John Bosco, from pastor to youth group, all of whom have visited him and provided him with spiritual support.

Lopez, who suffers from severe scoliosis, traveled to Chicago to receive two spine fusions—the first of which was performed successfully on Sept. 18. He is able to move only with the aid of a walker.

An intermediary procedure will place a “halo hoop” of rods and screws around his head to create gradual traction to stretch his spine.

The “angels” that helped bring Lopez to Castro’s door were Karen Christensen of the Chicago chapter of the National Scoliosis Association and Gloria Alcala, assistant to Auxiliary Bishop John Manz.

Two years ago, Lopez’s bilingual niece e-mailed the Florida-based Scoliosis Association to pass along his mother’s appeal for help in treating his condition that has swollen the left side of his back, and contorted his mid-section since age 8.

“It was hard growing up. I wanted to play outside with other children,” said Lopez, a Catholic. “Kids would make fun of my hunchback, but I always prayed and had faith that something like this would happen.”

The Scoliosis Association recognized his need—further aggravated by his dirt-floor home and family poverty—and labored a full year to bring Lopez to Shriners Hospital in Chicago.

“It was a miracle to get him here,” said Christensen of the association’s year-long effort on his behalf.

Christensen was contacted by the association’s vice-chair, Janice Sacks, about finding a place for Lopez in Chicago.

After being turned down by several groups in her search for food, lodging, a translator and a transporter, Christensen, who also suffers from scoliosis, called upon a family friend, Cardinal George.

Christensen’s mother grew up in the same parish [St. Pascal], on the same block as the cardinal.

The two also shared something else: polio.

On a number of occasions, Christensen said, Cardinal George has credited her grandfather with providing the encouragement needed to lift his spirit despite his disability.

“He told him [Cardinal George] not to feel sorry for himself and he could accomplish great things,” she said.

It is the type of love and confirmation the Castro family has given so generously to Lopez through their hugs and a vibrant sense of humor.

Christensen’s call to the cardinal’s office was re-routed to the open arms of Alcala, Bishop Manz’s assistant.

Along with accompanying Lopez on hospital visits, Alcala and family have shown him sights around the city including the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels squadron in flight during the city’s recent Air and Water Show.

Basking in the compassion and attention shown him by Castro, Alcala and Christensen, Lopez said his dreams have elevated to new heights.

“After high school, I want to study computer science and work with computers,” said Lopez.

“But most of all, I want to walk.”

Donations to assist Lopez can be made to the Harry Correa Lopez Fund at Bank One account number 110026386830 or mailed to Bank One, Elston Plaza, 3227 W. Addison St. 60618.

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