Elderly Info

The food crisis in Guatemala is having a devastating effect on the elderly. Without enough to eat, many older people are becoming weak and malnourished, leaving them more vulnerable to illnesses that they cannot afford medical care for. They are unable to provide for even their most basic needs. In many cases, family members are unable to help as they struggle to feed themselves and their own children, leaving the elderly without any form of support and often living in heartbreaking conditions.

Please help us bring them the life-sustaining food and medical care that they so desperately need. General donations are used to ensure that we always have an adequate supply of food, medicine, and funds for meals, necessary medical treatment, and transportation. Monthly sponsorship would help feed one person, once a day for five days a week. Via blog and web album, we'll show you exactly where your aid is going and help you get to know the men and women whose lives you are changing.

If you would like to sponsor an elderly person for $35 a month, please click here and write "monthly sponsorship'' in the Other box. To make a one-time donation for medicine, rent, or other costs, please click here and enter "Elderly Care Program" in the Other box. Any questions can be directed to Amy at amy@mayanfamilies.org


Media on Mayan Families Elderly

Book:
Ancianos : Megan Gette + photos by Rob Bain, Nisa East, Rhett Hammerton and Hiroko Tanaka

Videos:
Mayan Families- Ancianos Stories : Nisa East

Mayan Families Elderly Feeding Care Program : Rhett Hammerton

Facing Hunger: Elderly in Rural Guatemala



Feb 8, 2011

Juana Ben Tuy


**UPDATE**
Sadly, Juana has passed away.  Thank you so much for your support during her final months; she was more comfortable and more cared for than she ever could have been without your donations.                                                                 
*UPDATE*

Juana Ben Tuy is 72 years old and has been unwell for some months. Her daughter Roberta has took her to the public medical clinic and ran some tests. They said she was in good health. However, a glance at Juana tells a different story. Juana's diet is lacking in essential nutrients, her daughter, Roberta has been assisting her to take a fortified drink called incaparina (a powder fortified with minerals and vitamins mixed with water or milk) but Juana can't always keep it down. Roberta is striving to care for her ailing mother but does not make enough to pay for electricity. Roberta works in whatever she can find, often as a field hand on onion farms but has struggled finding work these last months since the road closures due to the landslides.

We want to give Juana a can of ENSURE however each tin costs $22 which is quite out of their financial reach. We also want to support Juana with groceries which cost $50 a month, and pay for electricity for her home $22 dollars a month.

To assist Juana and her family receive this much needed assistance please Donate Now, just enter Elderly Care Juana Ben in the Other box.