Brendah is a one-and-a-half-year-old girl who lives with her parents and her two older siblings in a small Ugandan village. Our medical partner, The Kellermann Foundation, shares,“When work is available, her mother works as a farm laborer and her father works as a logger. Going to church is a favorite family activity.” “Brendah has malnutrition complicated by diarrhea and oedema,” her doctor states. Oedema is a buildup of fluid in the body that causes swelling. “She is lethargic and if untreated, her malnutrition can affect her immune system and physical and cognitive development.” For $375, Brendah will receive micronutrient and food supplementation, and medication to stop her diarrhea. These steps of treatment will help Brendah to gain weight and strengthen her immune system. Brenda's mother says, “Thank you so much for helping my child.”

Meet Sucely, a one-year-old girl from Guatemala. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK), describes Sucely as an “active and well-tempered child,” who laughs frequently and enjoys playing with dolls. Sucely lives on a compound-style property with her extended family. “Her aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandmother all participate and contribute to the general well-being of family and spend lots of quality time together,” says WK. Recently, Sucely’s parents have been extremely worried about their youngest daughter, who hasn’t been growing like her two older brothers did. After examining Sucely, WK diagnosed her with acute malnutrition. Sucely does not consume enough food, and she is unable to retain nutrients due to parasitic disease and bacterial infection. If left untreated, Sucely’s malnutrition could lead to extreme dehydration, a compromised immune system, and death. According to Sucely’s mother, “We have a lot of family and so our resources are spread very thin.” Sucely’s father is a part-time carpenter, but he does not make enough to cover the costs of her treatment. For $535, we can help Sucely get the life-saving help she needs. “This treatment will supply Sucely with growth monitoring, micronutrient and food supplementation, and medication for her to recoup some of the weight and height she has lost and increase her overall caloric intake,” says WK. Moreover, her parents will receive “intensive nutrition education, thus building their confidence and ability to care for Sucely throughout her childhood.” Sucely’s mother shares, “Thank you so much for finding us. I am worried because our other two children were not like this. We are excited to learn.” Let’s help give Sucely the opportunity to develop normally and live a healthy, happy life!