President Mulino receives a very special visit

Kristely Espinoza, a girl affected by a disease called Stargardt, which considerably reduces her visual field, fulfilled one of her most cherished dreams together with the AYOUDAS foundation, meeting the President of the Republic José Raúl Mulino.

When the president learned about the case, he received her in his office, where he shared anecdotes with her and her two little sisters and his interest in getting to know her.

Stargardt's disease is degenerative of vision and has no cure, a fact that has changed the life of little 10-year-old Kristely, who has not lost her smile, her positive attitude and her dreams such as one day being president of Panama. .

Kristely said she is President Mulino's number one admirer, she is a native of Penonomé and a beneficiary of the AYOUDAS Foundation, which is dedicated to providing support to children with rare diseases of genetic origin, from very low-income families in Panama.

During the young woman's visit, along with her two sisters, she was given a gift by President José Raúl Mulino and, later, she took a tour of the Palacio de las Garzas.

Stargardt disease is a rare genetic eye disease that occurs when fatty matter builds up in the macula, the small part of the retina that is needed for clear central vision.

Vision loss usually begins in childhood, but some people with the disease begin to lose vision until they are adults. There is no treatment, but vision rehabilitation can help people with this condition make the most of what is left of their vision.