Ramon is 55 years old and a father of four. He lives with his wife and children in a humble home in Guatemala. His favorite sport is soccer, and his favorite food is watermelon.
Ramon was diagnosed with diabetes eight years ago. He used to have government-sponsored health insurance working as a day laborer, but after Ramon retired three years ago, he lost his health benefits. Now, with uncontrolled diabetes, Ramon’s family cannot afford to pay for treatment.
Diabetes causes frequent urination, weight loss, hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. If left untreated, it can also cause cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, foot damage and amputation, and an early death.
Funding of $1,500 will give Ramon the support he needs to finally manage his diabetes. On February 13, he will begin to receive the medicines and education he needs to adequately manage his condition in the future. Once his glucose levels normalize, he will no longer be at risk of dangerous blood sugar highs, and his energy will improve. The treatment will give him energy to participate in family life.
“I want to be able to do all the things I used to, like playing soccer,” he says. “I want to be better so that I can work without worrying about health complications.”