Health
In Good Hands
BY ADAMA DYONIZIAK , EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR , CHAMPIONS FOR HEALTH
Froilan
What do a crooner , a quarterback , an actor , a president , a prime minister and a comedian have in common with Project Access San Diego ? Frank Sinatra , John Elway , Paul Newman , Ronald Reagan , Margaret Thatcher , and Bill Murray and all had Dupuytren ’ s contracture just like Froilan , our Project Access patient .
Dr . Lindsey Urband , a Project Access volunteer with Champions for Health since 2019 , performed hand surgery on Froilan , who had a severe form of this condition in both hands . Froilan ’ s ability to support his family was very limited . When he was able to work , he often experienced pain and soreness in his hands . When planting greenery , his tools would rub against the outside of his fingers due to their curvature . “ The skin would peel away from my fingers as I would hit that part of my hand while working . It would start hurting , then blister , then I would have to peel the skin from my finger and suffer through it so that I could keep working .” Froilan maintained a positive attitude and credits his wife and family for keeping him motivated and feeling supported .
Froilan felt comfortable with Dr . Urband , especially because she spoke Spanish . “ I am completely appreciative of the Doctor . She is very kind ; she
82 GBSAN . COM | DECEMBER 2022