Meet Flavio, an eight-year-old boy from Guatemala. “Flavio is the youngest of 3 children,” reports our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). “Flavio likes to watch the chickens run around his front yard when he and his mother are home.” His father works in a cornfield as a day laborer, but his mother has to stay at home in order to give Flavio the attention he needs.
“Flavio was born with down syndrome, but his mother did not know about it until he was so old that differences between him and the other children were obvious,” shares WK. “She took him to a therapy center, and they accepted him. However, therapy is expensive, and this little boy’s family has limited resources and cannot afford it on their own.”
Flavio needs continued therapy and medical support to ensure that his development progresses. “Without intervention…he will not develop the tools necessary to allow any sort of independence, and thus will have to rely on his family for the rest of his life,” explains WK.
With $1385 in funding, Flavio can receive comprehensive treatment that includes diagnostic workup through medical scans, physical therapy, micronutrient and antiepileptic medication, and 6-day accompaniment at Wuqu’ Kawoq’s treatment center.
“There is no doubt that therapy and medical attention will not only improve Flavio’s health, but also his quality of life. Therapy will give him increased mobility and communication tools, thereby allowing him to be more independent and function better with his family and in society,” says WK. “Down syndrome is often time paired with health issues. Monthly medical checkups will allow us to monitor Flavio’s progress and assess his future needs. His mother will be counseled on how to provide care for her child, and will be supported by staff throughout the process.”
Flavio’s mother is incredibly grateful for the chance to improve her son’s life. “I want what is best for my child,” she shares. “Thank you for your interest in helping us.”
