Lidia is a 29-year-old woman from Guatemala. She has a rare autoimmune disease called dermatomyositis that attacks the muscles of the body. For months, she was bedridden and unable to swallow. Then, Watsi donors funded medications to treat her illness. She regained the ability to walk short distances, cook, and spend time with her children.
Lidia still grows tired easily. She has difficulty weaving, making tortillas, or standing for long periods of time. She wants to regain her leg strength to be able to work and provide for her family. Fortunately, she began physical therapy on December 16.
Lidia is a single mother of three children. She lives in a one-room wooden house with a dirt floor and tin roof. Her father makes charcoal to support the family, but his income is small. Her children have been unable to attend school for the past year because the family cannot afford to pay for their education. They need help to fund this $856 therapy.
Lidia will strengthen her legs and regain her ability to walk long distances. She will be able to work again, allowing her to send her children to school.
“Whenever I can walk again, I am going to cry,” says Lidia. “I am going to dance and jump of happiness.”