Brenda is a 14-month-old girl who lives with her family in Guatemala. She is a timid child with people she doesn’t know. Brenda’s mother takes care of the family and their household needs. Brenda’s father works as a day laborer in the local countryside, planting and harvesting corn.
Brenda has malnutrition. It’s a dangerous condition, resulting from consuming too little protein, calories, and nutrients. In the short term, malnutrition means Brenda has little energy to grow. As a result, her immune system is weak. This leaves her vulnerable to illness that further compromises her growth. She may also face malnutrition’s long-term consequences, including increased risk of chronic diseases and low IQ.
While malnutrition can have devastating effects, it’s also very treatable. Brenda’s parents wish to see their daughter grow up to be healthy and strong. However, they do not have the resources to pay for her malnutrition treatment.
Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, is requesting $492 to provide Brenda with the nutritional supplements she needs. Community health workers will also teach her mother about creating a nutrient-rich diet with limited resources.
Treatment will give Brenda a chance to recover, gain weight, and grow taller. She will catch up with other children her age, and her immune system will also grow stronger with the increased caloric intake.
Brenda’s mother says, “Thank you for the attention you will give to my daughter. I know she will get better through the supplements we will receive as a part of the nutrition program.”
