Oscar is a six-moth-old boy from Guatemala. He is the second of two children and lives near a lake with his parents and older sibling.
Since Oscar’s birth, his mother has not been able to produce breast milk. As a result, Oscar is small for his age and undernourished. As his family cannot afford formula, they soothe his hungry cries with warm sugar water. This highly limited diet is dangerous to Oscar’s health.
Lactation failure can often result in starvation and dehydration. It can also cause electrolyte imbalances that lead to seizures.
“I hope for my son to grow well, study, and one day become a professional,” Oscar’s mother says.
Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, is requesting $1,162 to fund Oscar’s nutrition treatment. Upon arrival at our medical partner’s care center, Clinic Panajachel, Oscar and his mother were provided with a supply of formula to hold them over until the nutritionists have developed a treatment plan. Beginning on March 28, the staff at Clinic Panajachel will work with Oscar’s mother, training her to check for signs of malnutrition and helping her create inexpensive and healthy meals for her family. Oscar is expected to recover well, gain a strong immune system, and grow up healthy.
