“I am grateful that there are people who help us even though they do not know us,” shares Wendy’s mother.
20-month-old Wendy lives with her mother and father in Guatemala’s rural highlands. Previously, Wendy was a playful child. But recently, her energy levels have dropped due to her malnutrition. She has also become underweight and small for her age, putting her at risk of permanent stunting.
Malnutrition has weakened Wendy’s immune system, leaving her vulnerable to illnesses that further compromise her growth. She may also face malnutrition’s long-term consequences, such as a low IQ and a greater likelihood of dropping out of school.
While malnutrition can have devastating effects, it is not difficult to treat. Wendy’s parents, who work as a farmer and a clothes washer, do not have the resources to pay for their daughter’s medical costs. But we can help for $492.
Beginning on April 17, Wendy will be provided with growth monitoring, micronutrients, and food supplementation. In addition, community health workers will teach her mother about creating a nutrient-rich diet with limited resources. This combination of interventions will bring Wendy back up to a healthy weight and height—and make sure she stays there.
“I hope that my daughter can get better over time and recover her health,” Wendy’s mother says. Let’s make sure this goal becomes a reality.