Erick is three month old and lives with his young mother, Sindy, in Guatemala.
Soon after Erick was born, Sindy caught an infection, and was given strong antibiotics as treatment. While she got better, the strong medicine led to a lack of breast milk production for her new baby.
Sindy currently can’t feed Erick enough milk, which has led to malnutrition. Although formula is available as a replacement, it is extremely expensive in Guatemala and Sindy is unable to afford it. She is raising Erick alone, and her family doesn’t have enough resources to assist her. She currently carries Erick on her back while she works as a clothes washer for her neighbors.
“Erick is failing to meet normal growth markers and is far below the average height and weight for his age,” shares our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). “His lack of breastmilk or formula not only makes him dangerously malnourished, but since his mother is giving him water instead, deprives him of antibodies, and puts him at risk of seizures and long-term developmental delays, since brain development occurring during this delicate time is compromised- leaving Erick at risk of long term brain damage.”
Sindy told WK, “I want my son to grow well and healthy. I have seen that me and my siblings have been malnourished, and I don’t want this to happen to my baby too.”
For $1,016, Erick will receive nutritional supplements to enhance his development and his mother will participate in health education.
“By supplying the baby with formula and the mother with health education, Erick will receive the calories he needs to grow and thrive,” explains WK. “One-on-one education with Erick’s mother will prepare her for when he needs to start eating solid food, as well as help her watch for further signs of malnutrition and other illness. Erick’s immune system will strengthen and he will grow up to be a healthy, energetic baby with normal mental and physical development.”

