Meet Melany a 15-month-old girl who lives with her parents, grandparents, and brother in rural Guatemala. A little girl who loves to play with dolls, her mother hopes she will one day attend school.
Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK) tells us, however, “Melany is suffering from malnutrition and a cough. Although her weight is only just below average, her height is roughly 4 standard deviations below. This is a sign that she is not receiving adequate nutrients, and as a result her physical and mental growth is being compromised.”
WK explains, “Malnutrition can lead to life-long obstructions, including increased risk of chronic and acute illness as well as limited physical and brain development. Limited development causes poor performance in school and an inability to obtain and maintain a well-paying job in adulthood. Pushing the cycle of poverty forward.”
Melany’s grandparents work in nearby fields while her mother tends to the house, but they are still unable to afford treatment for malnutrition.
With $535 in funding, Melany will receive a nutritional regimen that includes micronutrient and food supplements to ensure that she consumes the nutrients she needs to grow, gain mental focus, and strengthen her immune system. Melanie will also receive medication for her cough, and her parents will receive intensive nutritional education so that they can continue to support their daughter’s growth.
WK tells us Melany’s mother “hopes her daughter grows up healthy and strong and will use her intelligence to become a great person or a professional in the future.”
Melany’s mother shares,“ It is a fight to become someone important in the future.”
With a little help that fight will become much easier for little Melany.
