Diego lives alone with his mother in a one-room adobe house that is rented from family members. Diego’s mother does not work, and is currently borrowing money from family members to pay for living expenses. She does not have enough money to buy much food for herself some days, and buying formula is just not something that she could ever afford, even if she sold all of her belongings.
Diego’s step father has left Diego’s home and has not been back (we have verified that Diego and his mother are in a safe home situation). His mother is unable to breastfeed Diego. Now, Diego is losing weight extremely quickly and faces the life-threatening danger of getting diarrhea, fever, or an acute respiratory infection. Our community health worker had to give Diego empirical treatment before beginning formal treatment with out nutritionist to prevent a life-threatening situation.
With $1016, Diego can receive proper nutrient supplementation. Although Diego’s condition is severe, it is very treatable. He will receive formula which will give him the calories, nutrients, and protein he needs to grow and develop normally. His mother will receive motivational nutrition education so she knows what and when to feed her child to prevent future cases of malnutrition.
Diego’s mother shared: “I dream that my son will be a good student and be able to become a professor.”
