The ability to be independent is something everyone desires, and it becomes a very important trait, as a person gets older. Even children at very young ages aspire to be independent, as those who are just learning to talk spout the famous two-word phrase “me do!” Lucia Jere was only two years old when she decided she was going to be independent. Her strides for self-sufficiency landed her with an injury though, as she went just a little too far for her age.

Last year, now three-year-old Lucia decided that she was a big girl and she could take care of herself. Her first big task was to make herself some corn on the cob, over an open fire. As she held the cob over the flames, waiting for it to roast, she accidently dipped her hand into the hot ash that was around it. That incident caused her pinky and ring fingers on her left hand to curl inward because of scar tissue, and they will no long straighten. Her hold hand was burnt and she therefore, has scars all over her palm, which decrease the range of motion of her hand.

Though the repercussions of this accident are not so bad right now, as she is little and only has to worry about how she will play with her friends, which she does with ease still by the way, it will become an increasingly more serious issue as she grows up and takes on chores and other responsibilities that require dexterity in both hands. CURE will make sure she is able to use her left hand that she might never be hindered in any tasks she may try to achieve. Hopefully after this incident, Lucia’s parents will be encouraging a safer outlet for Miss Independent’s adventures.