November 23, 2015
Meet Jefferson, an 18-month old baby boy from Guatemala. Jefferson lives with his parents and brother who watches him while their parents work. Their mother weaves textiles and tends to the home, and their father is a farmer. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK), shares that Jefferson “loves to play with a little toy motorcycle” that his brother gave him.
Jefferson is acutely malnourished, and “is far below the average height and weight for his age,” his doctor shares. “We worry that without intervention, his health will continue to decline.” He is currently living with symptoms of a weak immune system – diarrhea and a fever. He doesn’t have much energy, and can only say a few words.
Without treatment, Jefferson faces serious long term effects. “His physical and mental development will be stunted and he will be unable to reach his full potential,” WK adds.
For $535, Jefferson will receive nutritional supplements to recuperate his weight and height, and deworming medicine to help him fight off some immediate symptoms. His parents will also receive nutritional education to help them provide long-term care.
“I am so thankful for this program that you have made,” shares Jefferson’s mother. “You are helping so many families, and to want to help us is just incredible. We hope Jefferson will be able to get better soon.”
Meet Jefferson, an 18-month old baby boy from Guatemala. Jefferson lives with his parents and brother who watches him while their parents wo...
Read more
February 8, 2016
Jefferson received treatment for acute malnutrition.
“Since we began Jefferson’s treatment, he has been improving slowly but surely. Both his height and weight have been increasing steadily, following a positive growth trajectory,” shares our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). Since providing his mother with beans, eggs, and a fortified corn drink, Jefferson’s diet is now far more varied and nutritious. “He now has a much bigger appetite, helping him grow and have much more energy,” WK continues. His mom is pleased with how much more he is eating since he started receiving treatment and said: “My son eats well, sleeps well, and has more energy overall now.”
“His immune system has gotten much stronger as well— he has not gotten sick since beginning treatment. This means that all the energy that he used to waste on getting well can now be used to help him grow bigger and taller and develop mentally,” WK says. “He now can play for much longer and keep up with his three siblings, which stimulates his physical and mental development. With continued treatment and monitoring, Jefferson will continue to grow and develop healthily.”
"Since we began Jefferson’s treatment, he has been improving slowly but surely. Both his height and weight have been increasing steadily, fo...
Read more