Meet Hugo, a four-year-old boy from Guatemala. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK), tells us, “In the past year Hugo and his mother have suffered a number of downfalls—both falling ill multiple times. Now, Hugo is presenting with acute malnutrition and if intervention does not occur he will continue losing weight and will be at risk of all the short and long-term effects of malnutrition.”
Hugo’s mother is the only one supporting the small family. With concern for her son’s health, she directs all the money she can to Hugo’s care but ultimately cannot afford access to the entirety of the resources her son needs.
Hugo has previously been assisted by Watsi donors. After he was born six weeks premature,”He started to suffer from seizures and Watsi donors stepped in to successfully control his convulsions and assisted his mother with paying for therapies and medication,” WK explains.
This time, with $535 in Watsi funding, Hugo will receive nutritional supplements and micronutrient support to facilitate healthy growth and improved diet. His mother will undergo nutritional education training to learn new ways to make healthy but affordable food choices for the household.
“This treatment will give Hugo’s mother the tools she needs to supply Hugo with the environment and food resources necessary to grow to his full potential,” reports WK. “Intensive nutrition education will allow Hugo’s mom to feel confident in her food decisions for her son. Hugo will begin to recoup the weight and weight he has lost, and over time his energy and ability to concentrate will improve.”
“He is the light of my life,” shares Hugo’s mother. “I got sick and now he is losing weight and not doing well. I just want what is best for my child.”