“Maria has struggled with diabetes for 13 years,” shares our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). “Due to economic scarcity she was unable to afford her glucose regulation medication for several years.”
Maria is now 65 years old and lives in Guatemala with her husband, daughter, and grandson. Her diabetes has prevented her from working outside of her home. Her husband also has a health condition, leaving their daughter as the sole supporter of the whole family. Her daughter "works as a farm hand, and while it is enough for basic necessities, it is not sufficient to afford syringes and insulin, as well as ensure her son – Maria’s grandson – has enough resources for school,” WK explains.
If Maria’s diabetes is left untreated, it could lead to kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, and heart and blood disease. “Maria’s diabetes is now more severe than ever, and she is experiencing blurred vision, constant headache, and weight loss,” states WK. “The glucose medication is no longer strong enough to control Maria’s diabetes, and so she now needs injectable insulin.”
To treat her acute diabetes, $450 can provide Maria with the insulin she needs. This treatment will help to control her diabetes and allow her the independence she desires.
“I don’t want to be a burden to my family,” says Maria. “I want to live to see my grandson grow up. I am hoping you can help me do that.”