Although there are countless people across the world who could tell the stories of how Dr. Ignacio Ponseti changed their lives with his revolutionary clubfoot procedure, few people could tell his story better than his wife.
Helena Percas-Ponseti, wife of the world-renowned doctor, briefly discussed and signed copies of her book, "Homage to Iowa: The Inside Story of Ignacio V. Ponseti," Thursday night at Barnes and Noble. Her husband and inspiration for the book sat with her during the signing.
Although Ignacio Ponseti's reputation is known throughout the world for his development of a pioneering non-surgical treatment for clubfoot, Helena Percas-Ponseti said she didn't know how knowledgeable her husband was about other subjects until she traveled with him.
"I discovered as I was traveling with him that I married someone who knew a lot," she said.
Whenever they traveled, no matter where they went, Helena said her husband knew just where to go and just what to do. That insightfulness inspired her to tell his story, she told a crowd of about 75 people.
"As I traveled the world with my husband, I then realized I had to write his biography," Helena said.
The biography traces Ignacio Ponseti's life from his upbringing in Spain to serving in the Spanish Civil War before ultimately making his way to Iowa where he made a name for himself across the globe.
Ignacio Ponseti's influence was evident Thursday night, even in the Coralville bookstore, as people whose lives he had touched came to see him again and buy a copy of his wife's book.
Kelli Hopkins said she came from Georgia to have Ponseti treat her 2-month-old's clubfoot. As her son, Abraham, slept in a baby carrier, Hopkins got teary-eyed as she described watching Ponseti work on her son.
"It's like a master's hands," Hopkins said. "He knew exactly what he was doing."
Ignacio Ponseti also is scheduled be recognized for his lifetime of work at the Fifth Annual Hoover-Wallace Dinner on Saturday night at the Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. Ponseti, former Sen. John Culver and former Rep. Jim Leach will be honored at the dinner for their years of public service.
Ignacio Ponseti himself had little to say before meeting with many of the people gathered at the bookstore, leaving the spotlight and praise for his wife.
"If I knew how to write as well as she does, I would write her biography," Ponseti said.
Helena Percas-Ponseti, wife of the world-renowned doctor, briefly discussed and signed copies of her book, "Homage to Iowa: The Inside Story of Ignacio V. Ponseti," Thursday night at Barnes and Noble. Her husband and inspiration for the book sat with her during the signing.
Although Ignacio Ponseti's reputation is known throughout the world for his development of a pioneering non-surgical treatment for clubfoot, Helena Percas-Ponseti said she didn't know how knowledgeable her husband was about other subjects until she traveled with him.
"I discovered as I was traveling with him that I married someone who knew a lot," she said.
Whenever they traveled, no matter where they went, Helena said her husband knew just where to go and just what to do. That insightfulness inspired her to tell his story, she told a crowd of about 75 people.
"As I traveled the world with my husband, I then realized I had to write his biography," Helena said.
The biography traces Ignacio Ponseti's life from his upbringing in Spain to serving in the Spanish Civil War before ultimately making his way to Iowa where he made a name for himself across the globe.
Ignacio Ponseti's influence was evident Thursday night, even in the Coralville bookstore, as people whose lives he had touched came to see him again and buy a copy of his wife's book.
Kelli Hopkins said she came from Georgia to have Ponseti treat her 2-month-old's clubfoot. As her son, Abraham, slept in a baby carrier, Hopkins got teary-eyed as she described watching Ponseti work on her son.
"It's like a master's hands," Hopkins said. "He knew exactly what he was doing."
Ignacio Ponseti also is scheduled be recognized for his lifetime of work at the Fifth Annual Hoover-Wallace Dinner on Saturday night at the Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. Ponseti, former Sen. John Culver and former Rep. Jim Leach will be honored at the dinner for their years of public service.
Ignacio Ponseti himself had little to say before meeting with many of the people gathered at the bookstore, leaving the spotlight and praise for his wife.
"If I knew how to write as well as she does, I would write her biography," Ponseti said.
I couldn't get the picture posted.
3 comments:
Kelli,
I just wanted to tell you what an inspiration you are to me. Your story could be so sad yet you are so strong and heart warming. God gave you such a special job, I know I couldn't do it. May God bless you and take care of you. You are a wonderful person. Stay strong. Your kids are beautiful.
That's cool! Hope you picked up some print copies...
He is an amazing man, and his wife seems like a treasure. Don't you just love how God works? Keeping our baby in my prayers. MArc said to take care of his namesake(lol). He said we will all be surprised at what Abe will do.
Post a Comment