“I am very worried for my son because he is not growing,” Eduardo’s mother, a native of Guatemala, shares. At seven months old, Eduardo is already malnourished. His mother cannot produce breastmilk, so he and his twin brother Miguel are underweight for their age. Eduardo often cries from hunger, and his mother uses the only substance she can afford––warm sugar water––to soothe him.
This limited diet has dangerous implications for Eduardo’s health. Lactation failure can lead to starvation and dehydration and can provoke electrolyte imbalances that cause seizures. Brain development occurring during this delicate time is compromised, putting Eduardo at risk of long-term damage.
Eduardo’s father is a day laborer, while his mother takes care of their four children. Because of the family’s lack of resources, they need financial assistance to afford treatment for Eduardo’s malnutrition.
For $1,107, we can provide them with the help they need. To stabilize his condition, Eduardo has been given a preliminary supply of formula, which will last until our medical partner’s nutritionist can create a nutrition plan and formally begin treatment on February 14. One-on-one education between a community health worker and Eduardo’s mother will teach her how to provide a healthy but inexpensive diet for her son. She will also learn to check for signs of malnutrition and other illness. Eduardo’s immune system will strengthen, and he will grow up to be a healthy, energetic baby.
“I dream for my son to grow up well, study, and one day become a teacher,” Eduardo’s mother says.
