Boy has successful surgery thanks to support from Bethel Park
District Judge Ron Arnoni, right, administers oaths of office to Bethel Park police lieutenants Tim Kirsch and Blake Babin during a July 2015 municipal council meeting.
Osman Ruiz’s condition had improved a week after his surgery, as indicated by the image at right.
During the past several years, millions of people have fled the South American nation of Venezuela, with many relocating to neighboring Colombia.
Among them are friends of Bethel Park Police Lt. Blake Babin, whom he has visited on numerous trips. On one of them, he met a six-year-old extended member of the family named Osman Ruiz, who was suffering from strabismus, or severe crossing of the eyes.
Thanks to numerous Bethel Park residents and businesses, Osman underwent a successful operation to correct his condition.
“What really struck me was the fact that, for the most part, none of the people who assisted were really asked to,” Babin said. “But as soon as they heard the story, and what was trying to be accomplished, they insisted on helping.”
As a matter of fact, no one requested Babin’s help, either. But he decided to see what he could do on behalf of Osman, who was having trouble reading and was subject to teasing because of the strabismus.
Babin asked Dr. Tim Campbell, a Bethel Park Council member who has worked on international missions, about the possibility of some type of aid for Osman’s surgery, which his family could not afford.
“He was immediately enthused about assisting and certain something could be done to help,” Babin said. “He did state that any potential international aid that was available is inconsistent and probably not the best approach for this kind of situation.”
Campbell recommended having a specialist conduct an eye examination in Colombia to ascertain the extent of the problem and if Osman would be a candidate for surgery. With strabismus, a point can be reached in which the brain already has made allowances for the condition, and corrective surgery would make vision worse.
With Osman determined to be a candidate, the next steps were identifying an appropriate surgeon and raising money for the operation. Once everything was in place, the surgery was scheduled for Sept. 29.
“I was in Colombia during mid-August and met with Osman, his sister and his mother,” Babin said. “I cannot express the appreciation they showed in response to the assistance and concern shown to them.
Along with Campbell, donations came from The funding came from the Bethel Park Police Association; Dr. Brian McDonough, Carol McDonough and staff; Tim Moury, Bethel Park Council president; Susie Dolinar, director of public works; and General Manufacturing Co. and the Fastuca family; and Allegheny Arms and Gun Works.
Following Osman’s operation, his eyes have continued to improve.
“He couldn’t sleep the night before his surgery, not because he was afraid, but because it was like Christmas morning is to most kids. He couldn’t wait,” Babin said. “The other kids teased him horribly, and when he said he was getting surgery, they didn’t believe him.”
Recently, he told his aunt that not only doesn’t he get teased anymore, but he even has a girlfriend.
“If I run into any of his friends when I’m down there next time, I’ll remind them to never again doubt what the people of Bethel Park and the Bethel Park Police Department can do once they set their mind to it,” Babin said, “even if it’s a continent away.”