Jose had a normal birth, but since then he has not been able to grow well. For the past two months, his mother has not been able to produce breast milk. He has been losing weight and now only weighs 7 pounds, barely more than when he was born six months ago. Jose’s mother gives him sugar water to try to make his belly full enough to sleep. Unfortunately, the water has not been properly filtered, and he often gets diarrhea and fevers.
Jose is the youngest of 14 children, and lives with his family in Guatemala. Jose loves to smile. His parents can’t afford to buy him a toy, but he smiles and laughs when people sing to him. His family lives in a one-room house made of bamboo and tar. His father works as a day laborer and does not earn sufficient money to cover the costs of formula for Jose–one small tin of formula costs more than he makes in a typical month.
With $1016, Jose can receive proper nutrient supplementation. By supplying the mother with formula and health education, Jose will receive the calories he needs to grow and thrive. One-on-one education with Jose’s mother will prepare her for when he needs to start eating solid food, as well as help her watch for further signs of malnutrition and other illness. Jose’s immune system will strengthen and he will grow up to be a healthy energetic baby.
“I am trying to figure out a way to help my son,” Jose’s mother shared. “Unfortunately we do not have the resources we need to do it. I am worried because he is not growing well. I want to see my son grow. I want him to be a person that can go to school, have his studies, and become an accountant. I appreciate a lot that my son will receive this support from you, so that he can improve.”
