Victoria, a 46-year-old woman, lives in Guatemala with her husband and six children. She supports her family as a textile weaver, while her husband sells textiles and handcrafts in a nearby town. To supplement their income, they farm corn in a small plot of land.
“Victoria has rheumatoid arthritis,” our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK), explains. “Over the past year, it has gotten so bad that she has had to stop working. This is compromising her family’s ability to earn enough money to care for their children.”
Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating chronic disease that causes inflammation in the joints. In most cases, patients with this condition experience some form of deformity--diminishing the ability to use their hands or feet.
“Victoria is constantly in pain and believes that Wuqu’ Kawoq is her last hope,” WK tells us. “Without intervention, she will continue to live in constant pain and her ability to move and complete daily activities will become near impossible over time.”
For $425, Victoria will receive treatment for her rheumatoid arthritis. WK will provide medication and regular follow-ups to monitor her condition, allowing her to get back to her family and work.
With access to appropriate medication and medical attention, Victoria will be able to complete daily tasks easier and get back to her job to support her family.
“My daughters have been helping me, but I want them to feel free to live their own lives and not have to constantly care for me,” shares Victoria. “I just want to get better so I can help my family."