Raquel was originally slated to come to St. Louis for just a two-week evaluation, but Dr. Schoenecker, chief of staff at Shriners Hospital, decided ten year-old Raquel would benefit from two different orthopedic procedures, including major hip surgery and a procedure to lessen the discrepancy between her leg lengths. The toughest part of her treatment was laying flat on her back for six weeks after surgery. With her wonderful spirit and unending support from her mom and two host families, Raquel went home six months later, walking well and experiencing no pain.