Meet Milton, a 14-month-old baby boy from Guatemala. “Milton lives with his parents and sister on a property that they share with both sets of grandparents,” our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK) tells us.
“Milton is suffering from acute malnutrition. He is both underweight for his age and his height is extremely below the average for his age,” says WK. “He is frequently ill with diarrhea and his mother says that she wants to help but feels she doesn’t have the knowledge or resources.”
Neither of Milton’s parents are highly educated, which is typical in the area the family lives in. They support the family farming corn and often have a difficult time affording food. As a result, Milton’s diet is mainly beans and rice with very little fruits or vegetables.
For $535, Milton will receive the care he needs from doctors and nutritionists. “This treatment will supply Milton with the growth monitoring, micronutrient and food supplementation, and medication for him to recoup some of the weight and height he has lost and treat the parasitic infection causing his diarrhea,” explains WK. “His parents will receive intensive nutrition education, thus building their confidence and ability to care for Milton throughout his childhood and perhaps even prevent malnutrition in any future children that may enter the family.”
With the chance to access this care, Milton will not face the long-term consequences of malnutrition. He will have more energy and will not be at risk of chronic illness throughout his adult life. Without these obstacles, he will be able to reach his physical and mental potential, therefore giving him the opportunity to succeed in school and begin building a future for himself.
“My dream for my boy is that he grows up and can graduate school. God gave me a son and so I have to fight for him,” says Milton’s mother.
