“I thank God for connecting me with your help,” shares Arcemio, an 18-year-old boy from Guatemala.
Although only a teenager, Arcemio has already had more than his share of health challenges. When he was just 11, Arcemio contracted cancer and lost a leg. Because of the cancer, Arcemio also had to be taken out of school at a young age, meaning he still has only a third-grade education.
Without a leg, Arcemio struggles to get around and to complete routine daily tasks. Furthermore, although he desperately wishes to work, he cannot find a job.
A prosthetic leg would make a world of difference for Arcemio, but his family cannot afford to purchase one. His mother works at home, taking care of Arcemio and his two other siblings, while Arcemio’s father works as a day laborer in the local countryside.
But with Watsi funding, Arcemio can receive a specially molded leg fit just for him. $1,166 will pay for the materials and fitting sessions necessary to create this prosthesis, set to take place beginning June 9.
Having an artificial leg will allow Arcemio to walk for the first time in seven years. He also hopes that with the prosthesis, he will be able to work alongside his father in the fields and therefore to provide more for his family.