Meet Wily, a 17-month-old boy from Guatemala. “Wily lives with his parents and five siblings,” says our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). “He is a happy child that loves to dance and play with toy cars. He likes to play with his oldest sister while his mother weaves and embroiders textiles to sell at the market.”
Due to a lack of resources and food education, Wily is malnourished. He is far below the average height and the average weight for his age. “His father works as a farmer but between him and Wily’s mother they do not make enough money to afford enough food for their children,” says WK. “As a result Wily is eating very little solid food and relying heavily on breast milk. Without intervention he will continue to loose weight and not grow, and we worry that he is at risk of the long-term effects of malnutrition, as well as at risk of acquiring acute illnesses such as pneumonia.”
For $535, Wily will receive supplemental nutrition to remedy his condition. His parents will also receive nutritional education to help them care for Wily in the future. “Intervention now will prevent the future effects of malnutrition, and give Wily the chance to live a healthy and productive life,” says WK.
“He cries so often now, and his energy is low. I worry about my baby but am surprised and grateful that you want to help us,” shares Wily’s mother.
