Bernaldo is a 17-month-old toddler from Guatemala. He is the first child in his family, and he loves to crawl and play with toy cars. His father works as a day laborer to support their family, and his mother takes care of the household.
Bernaldo was recently diagnosed with malnutrition, a condition that occurs from consuming too little protein, calories, and nutrients. In the short term, malnutrition means Bernaldo has little energy to grow, and that his immune system is weak, leaving him vulnerable to illness that further compromises his growth. He may also face malnutrition’s long-term consequences, such as increased risk of chronic illness and a lowered IQ.
Concerned for his well-being, his mother took Bernaldo to our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, for treatment. Beginning June 12, Bernaldo will receive micronutrients and food supplementation, as well as regular growth monitoring. Community health workers will also teach his mother how to create a nutrient rich diet for him using limited resources. The $492 requested will cover all expenses of his continued treatment, allowing him to gain weight, strengthen his immune system, and catch up with other children his age.
“Thank you for this help that my son will receive,” says Bernaldo’s mother. “It is my desire to see him well so he can grow up to be big and go to school.”
