Savina Bocel Palax

Savina Bocel Palax is 73 years old.  She lives in San Jorge, with her husband--sort of.  As Savina explained with a chuckle, she's separated from 81 year old Nicolas.  He sleeps in the only bedroom, while she sets up a small cot in the kitchen.  Each morning, she packs her few blankets and puts them in a bag, so they won't smell like smoke from the open fire.  

Savina and Nicolas have children, but they are all grown with families of their own to care for, and for the most part they can't provide their parents with any help.  One son occasionally brings his mother some beans, but this support isn't regular.  Savina's diet is inconsistent--some days she has food, and some days she doesn't.

Despite the hardships in her life, Savina is constantly smiling and laughing.  She was happy to have visitors as she showed us her small house, and she laughed as she explained why she keeps her blankets packed up during the day.

She is receiving a multi-vitamin each day at the feeding program, but she would like to try some pain medicine for the pain and swelling in her feet and knees, which at the moment keeps her from making tortillas.

If you would like to help Savina, either with support for pain medication or food, you can do so at Donate Now, by entering your donation in the 'Other' box, and putting A51 and the purpose of your donation ('food,' meds' etc.) in the 'Details'. To continue giving Savina a daily nutritious hot meal at the feeding centre, it will cost around $60 monthly. If you would like to provide a monthly donation for Savina please go to the donate monthly page and enter A51 Thank you!