Marlo Bontempo
Marlo's Story

Marlo joined Watsi on July 27th, 2015. 29 other people also joined Watsi on that day! Marlo's most recent donation supported Rosario, a baby girl from Guatemala, to treat acute malnutrition due to lactation failure.

Impact

Marlo has funded healthcare for 1 patient in 1 country.

Patients funded by Marlo

Rosario is a newborn baby girl who lives with her family in Guatemala. Rosario’s father is a day laborer on a farm nearby, and her mother helps her mother-in-law take care of the house and land. “Rosario is suffering from acute malnutrition due to lactation failure,” shares our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). “When examined by our medical team, Rosario had very little energy. Her mother does not have enough money to pay for formula, and if intervention does not occur soon Rosario will be in danger of permanent mental and physical damage or death.” Rosario’s mother is 18 years old and had a very complicated pregnancy and birth, in which Rosario required critical care. Despite these previous complications, Rosario’s mother is extremely dedicated to the health of her baby. “When she realized she could not produce sufficient breast milk, she immediately came to our clinic asking for help,” explains WK. “She cries because she is hungry and there is nothing I can do,” shares her mother. “I feel so helpless and embarrassed. She is my first child and I just want the best for her.” Fortunately, treating lactation failure is easy and effective. With our support of $1,220, WK will be able to work with Rosario and her family to prevent future threats of malnutrition. Doctors will provide a combination of milk formula supplementation, growth monitoring and intensive nutrition education to give Rosario and her mother the tools Rosario needs to survive and thrive. “We believe our treatment plan will allow Rosario to recoup the weight she has lost and start to develop normally,” explains WK. “She will avoid the loss of developmental milestones, and grow to her full mental and physical potential.”

$1,220raised
Fully funded