Abner is a four-month-old baby boy from Guatemala's rural highlands. While his father works as a day laborer, his mother stays at home to take care of the family and sell hand-woven textiles. Abner is the fifth child in his family. Because Abner's mother cannot produce breastmilk, Abner is already malnourished. Underweight and small for his age, Abner often cries from hunger. His mother can only afford warm sugar water to soothe him, however this diet has dangerous implications for Abner’s health. Lactation failure can lead to starvation, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances that can cause seizures and compromise brain development. To help his condition, Abner requires a formal nutrition plan, which he is scheduled to receive on June 9. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, is requesting $1,162 to fund formula, nutrient supplements, and health education for Abner's mother that will teach her how to provide a nutritious, inexpensive diet for her son and monitor Abner's health. With this treatment, Abner’s immune system will strengthen, and he will grow up to be a healthy, energetic baby.

Edivinah is 22 years old, and expecting her second child. She and her husband live in Uganda where she had a C-section to deliver their firstborn two years ago. Our medical partner, The Kellermann Foundation, shares that Edivinah will likely need another C-section, but cannot afford the procedure. "Edivinah and her husband Adonis are small farmers who own their own land where they grow potatoes, maize, beans and other crops," the Kellermann staff explains. "They also dig for others to earn extra money." Although Edivinah's husband also works as a brick maker, they do not earn enough to support their growing family and the cost of Edivinah's safe childbirth. For $303, Edivinah will undergo a C-section to ensure that both Edivinah and her newborn are healthy during and after the birth. "When her family is happy, Edivinah is happy. She enjoys going to church and singing and visiting with friends and family. She says thank you very much to the donors and asks that we tell them she appreciates the help they are giving to people like her," the Kellermann staff adds.