SYRACUSE, NY (WSYR-TV) - Saturday was a bittersweet day for some Syracuse doctors who said goodbye to a Haitian boy, who came to Central New York in need of a life-saving surgery.
Three months ago, 8-year-old Pelensky Joassin suffered serious injuries, including a skull fracture and a crushed urethra, after he was run over by a truck.
Golisano Children's Hospital provided the break-through treatment he couldn't get in Haiti.
"You're sad to see him go," said Upstate Urologist Dr. Jonathan Riddell. "But the whole goal of the visit was to get his health improved, and get him back to Haiti where he is from functioning better than when he came. And I believe we have a durable long-term solution for him."
With modern technology, Riddell said Pelensky's father can e-mail him with any questions or concerns.
"Before, it was a bad situation. Now, it's a better situation than before. I'm happy," said Pelensky's father who speaks little English.
While in Central New York for treatment, Pelensky and his father called the Ronald McDonald house their home the last two months.
"He's special in our heart, and I know folks here are special in his heart," said Beth Trunfio, Executive Director CNY Ronald McDonald House.
Over the last 3 decades, the CNY Ronald McDonald House has housed 17-thousand families, from all across the country and the world. They say communication can be a challenge but have found a universal way to do it.
"It’s interesting how language really is no barrier when you have care and compassion and love to offer," said Trunfio.
While much of the time was spent in the hospital, Pelensky was able to squeeze in some fun, taking a trip to the Carrier Dome and the zoo.
Pelensky was matched with Doctors in Syracuse through a program called Partners in Health, which works to get sick people all over the world access to health care.
