Mayan Families Elderly Care Program

Marcela may not live much longer

2012-02-23T09:08:00.001-08:00

Marcela is 88 years old. She has recently taken a terrible turn for the worse and is not expected to live much longer. She has asthma and is in a lot of pain, and cannot leave her bed. But she only wants to take natural medicine. She doesn't want any medical help, she only asks for disposable diapers and a blanket. Her family is respecting her wishes and are surrounding her with love and care. They are already preparing for her funeral, but find themselves too poor to afford a proper burial. They have come to us and asked for help with funeral costs and help buying diapers and a blanket to make Marcela more comfortable in her last days. We are asking for $200 to help Marcela.

To help Marcela and her family during this difficult time, please go to Donate Now and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "A36 Medical". Thank you so much for your care and concern!

Alejandro has passed away

2012-02-18T19:17:00.002-08:00

We're deeply saddened to report that Alejandro has passed away. After fighting for several days he is now at peace, but his family is obviously grieving his loss (you can read the original post here). Alejandro passed away in the public hospital in the capital. His body now has to be transported nearly 3 hours to Panajachel by a licensed car certified to carry deceased bodies. It's very expensive and the family doesn't know how they will afford it. Plus, they are planning the funeral and paying the medical bills that Alejandro incurred during his hospitalization. A Mayan Families employee visited Alejandro's family today and they had nothing to eat. The family is grieving the loss of a loved one and also faced with nearly impossible financial burdens. To pay for the certified transport, the funeral, and the medical bills, the family needs $300. Please consider helping this family in this great time of need. To help, please go to Donate Now and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "A33 Medical".

Fidelia and Maria Lucas need your help!

2012-02-14T15:34:00.002-08:00

Fidelia

Fidelia (A82) recently became very ill so she went to a private doctor who ran several tests. He found that her blood sugar was very high and she complained that her entire body hurt to the point that she couldn't walk. The doctor gave her some medicine and also sent her to an OB/GYN because she has a UTI. She has made her appointment, but she can't afford to go because of the cost. Fidelia needs $75.

Maria Lucas with a previous donation of Ensure

Maria Lucas (A10) does not have enough money to eat nutritionally rich foods. Besides the meal she receives form our program, she can only afford to eat corn tortillas and coffee. We've given her Ensure in the past and it is a great source of much-needed vitamins and nutrition. Finances are very tight for her family and she needs more Ensure. We would like to help her and buy a bottle of Ensure for her. Maria Lucas needs $30.

To help these women with these medical needs, please go to Donate Now and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "A82 Medical" to help Fidelia and/or "A10 Ensure" to help Maria Lucas. Thank you so much!

Alejandro is in the hospital

2012-02-10T08:17:00.005-08:00

UPDATE: Alejandro has been transferred to the hospital in Guatemala City because the doctors in Solola said there was nothing they could do for him. He is not doing well. He is unconscious most of the time and can only move his hands. His family wants to take him home since there is not much more that can be done for him. The family is obviously hurting and grieving, but on top of this they are struggling financially. Alejandro's short time in two hospitals has created many medical expenses that the family cannot afford. Please keep Alejandro and his family in your thoughts and consider helping them financially through this difficult time.

__________________________________

Alejandro is a sweet man who lives in San Jorge and is part of our Elderly Care Program. He lives alone and has had over-all good health, despite some eye problems and muscular pain. However, we were very sad to hear that yesterday Alejandro fainted and was taken to the hospital in Solola. The doctors are running tests on him to determine exactly what's wrong, but Alejandro is not doing well. The doctors are not optimistic of his full recovery and we're very worried about Alejandro. His family is also very concerned because they can't afford his medical expenses. We need $100 for his medical needs at this time, and we will hopefully know more soon about what type of a treatment he may need. To donate, please go to Donate Now, and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "A33 Medical". Thank you so much for helping this family during this very difficult time! If you have any questions, contact us at familyaid@mayanfamilies.org

Miguel needs medical help

2012-02-07T14:00:00.000-08:00

Miguel is a sweet member of our elderly program. He lives with his brother and it is always a delight to visit these two gentlemen because they are so friendly. Recently, however, Miguel has been having health problems with his prostate. We took him to the doctor who prescribed various medicaitons for him, which will hopefully help him greatly. However, Miguel also needs a prostate exam. The cost of his consult, his medications, and his future exam is $173. Please consider helping Miguel with his health problems.

To make a one-time donation to help Miguel, please go to Donate Now and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "A24 Medical". Thank you so much for caring for our elderly!

New space for our elderly!

2012-02-01T14:42:00.000-08:00

We have made a slight change to our Elderly Feeding Program in Panajachel. Instead of delivering every lunch to each home, we have set up a "cafeteria" area where the majority of our elderly come to be served lunch and they can all eat together. We're very happy with this new space, as it provides community for the elderly who now look forward to eating lunch together. This change also cuts down on our costs of delivering so many lunches every day. Here are some pictures of the new feeding area:

Ramon Lopez Cumes (A-9)

2012-01-31T13:20:00.000-08:00

Hi, everyone. Ronnie here with a guest (volunteer) post. I've been here at Mayan Families (MF) for just over a week, and as usual there has been a lot to do. As some of you might recall, I volunteered here with the Elderly Care Program (ECP) for a few months in late 2010, and (just like most anyone else who visits) I fell in love with the ancianos and the ECP. I don't think anyone was surprised to see me back.

MF staff have been up to their necks in work, so one thing I thought I'd help out with is profiling the ancianos, which frankly is always a treat. It's worth mentioning that the entire ECP is hardly scraping by with enough money to provide the ancianos with their daily meals-- The medical supplies and services that we used to provide to the elderly, to everyone's chagrin, have all but stopped due to lack of funds. We even had to let go of our medical coordinator, Dona Helen, because we couldn't pay her salary. It has been very hard telling the elderly that we can't give them their medicines or take them to the doctor.

But that's not what I wanted to focus on. I'm here to introduce you to the beloved ancianos in our program who do not have the medicine or medical attention to deal with serious illness and debilitating pain. I know that sounds intimidating, but $10 goes an incredibly long way in a place like Guatemala.

Ramon talking with Elisia of Mayan Families.
This is the main doorstep he sits at in
Panajachel, earning up to $1.10 daily.

First in line is don Ramon Lopez Cumes. Although I've already had the pleasure of chatting and laughing with Ramon over lunch the past week, I had a translator present with me for the more thorough interview because Ramon's primary language is Kaqchiquel.

Ramon is (well, according to his account--but not everyone really keeps track) 92 years old. He lives in Santa Catarina and, despite the leg pain that forced him into retirement from agriculture work, he walks miles and miles every day to Panajachel and back in order to beg for money--about 8-9 quetzales ($1.10) daily--to feed and care for his bedridden wife, Rosa. Rosa is 87 years old. Ramon told us that he and Rosa have been married for 80 years, and while the numbers are a little suspect, it has clearly been (or at least seems to have been) a very long time.

Together Ramos and Rosa have four daughters, all married, and four grandchildren, all residing in Santa Catarina. The family is close and visits at least weekly, but unfortunately they can hardly help out the grandparents. Only one of the sons-in-law has a (more or less) stable job, extracting and selling sand from the lake, but that is a very low-paying job. They daughters earn what they can with odd jobs, but it's not even enough for the kids. Once in a while the family brings Ramon and Rosa breakfast, but he still needs to go beg.

Ramon (right) hungrily enjoying with his friend Ramos (left)
the lunch provided to him by the Mayan Families. Ramon
packs up a lot of the ECP food and brings it to his
bedridden wife in Santa Catarina.

Ramon is the first in line in my profiling because, aside from the severe pain in his legs, he has told us of frequent and acute heart pains and palpitations that started recently. We're not just very worried for Ramon, but also for Rosa, who cannot get by without the little money that Ramon earns and the ECP food he saves in his little satchel and brings to her daily.

We believe that Ramon urgently needs medical attention. A doctor's visit and the proper heart and pain medicine would make a huge difference for his and Rosa's security and comfort. An initial consultation would cost just $10, and we estimate that medicine for the first two months would cost just $30. Please consider helping.

To make a contribution, click here and enter "A-9 Anciano Ramon Lopez Cumes" in the Other section. If we get the funds to pay for Ramon's medical consultation, we will of course keep you posted. Thank you so much for your time, and please stay tuned for more profiles.

Please help Manuel and Santiago have clean water

2012-01-25T09:17:00.000-08:00

Manuel

Manuel (A25) and Santiago (A75) are both in need of water filters. They cannot afford to buy purified water. A filter costs $63 and will give the family clean water for up to two years, when the filter will need to be replaced (for just $44). We have used these filters with many families and even our own Mayan Families staff and can attest to the clean, fresh water that these filters provide. Please consider giving a filter to these gentlemen today!

Santiago

If you would like to make a one-time donation, please go to Donate Now and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "A25 Filter" for Manuel or "A75 Filter" for Santiago. Thank you so much for your generosity!

Thanks for helping our elderly!

2012-01-20T09:30:00.000-08:00

We are very grateful to the many donors and volunteers who have helped our elderly! We have been doing home visits, checking heart rates, blood pressure, and weight. Many of our elderly suffer from chronic pain due to their life of lifting heavy loads, doing manual labor, and working in the fields. Many suffer from eye problems and loss of vision because they've worked in the strong sun all their lives and then gone home to cook over a fire which fills their home with smoke.

These circumstances have caused many physical consequences, but we are so happy to be able to offer them comfort and care, all thanks to your donations and support. Many of our elderly are still looking for monthly sponsorship. If you're at all interested, contact us at familyaid@mayanfamilies.org Thank you so much!

Great news for brothers Manuel and Miguel!

2012-01-12T13:50:00.000-08:00

We're so happy to report that Manuel and Miguel have received enough money to have much-needed repairs done on their home! You may remember that these sweet brothers were forced to leave their home during our last rain storm because of flooding. Thanks to generous donors, we will repair the damage from last year's storm and build a ramp/blockade to prevent future flooding. Thank you so much for caring for these brothers!

Caring for our elderly

2012-01-11T08:59:00.000-08:00

Serving the elderly in our community includes meeting several different needs. We want to help our elderly lead comfortable and dignified lives as they age. Many of our elderly are confined to their beds and struggle getting up and/or walking. As a result, many are in desperate needs of adult diapers. For just $60 you can give a 5 week supply of adult diapers and allow an elderly member to live in comfort. Please go to Donate Now and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "Elderly Care Program-Diapers". Thank you so much!

Juana Tereta passed away

2012-01-04T08:44:00.000-08:00

We are very sorry to inform that Juana Tereta, one of our dear member of our Elderly Care Program passed away last week.

She died peacefully at home.

Many of our elderly have received tamale baskets!

2011-12-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all of you who have donated tamale baskets to our elderly! We hated the thought of so many elderly eating only tortillas and salt for Christmas. Giving them a basket means that they can celebrate with a delicious, and nutritious, traditional meal! We were able to deliver many baskets this week, and it was such a joy to see the enormous smiles on their faces when we gave them a basket.

Thank you so much for making these smiles possible!

Sad news: Don Julian has passed away

2011-12-18T10:19:00.000-08:00

We are very sorry to inform you that Don Julian, a dear member of our Elderly Care Program in San Jorge, has passed away this morning. He was blind and had been suffering from prostate problems for a while. We are sure he is in peace now!

The family is really sad, it is not easy to lose a loved one, specially this close to Christmas.
If you want to help Don Julian's family pay for his funeral, please click here, scroll down, enter your donation in the "Other box" and "A-52-funeral" in the details box. Any amount will be of great help and relief to the family.
Thank you!

Thank you!!!

2011-12-16T12:21:00.000-08:00

Thanks to many generous donors, Rosa has received a brand new bed! Thank you so much to everyone who helped...every dollar made a difference!

Please help Rosa get a new bed

2011-12-05T10:33:00.000-08:00

UPDATE on Rosa: We have received all the money we need for Rosa's bed. Thank you so much! We will buy the bed and deliver it to Rosa shortly!

Rosa is aging and her body is fragile. Unfortunately, Rosa sleeps on a delapidated bed that is falling apart and is very unstable. If she moves in the middle of the night, the bed collapses in the middle and she easily falls out and onto the floor. This has already happened several times and Rosa has suffered injuries from these falls. Rosa's family is worried about her, but they cannot afford to buy her a new bed, so they've come to us and asked for help. Rosa has a mattress to sleep on, but she needs a stronger bed frame that will keep her safe througout the night.

A single bed frame, without a mattress, costs $120. If you would like to help Rosa get a new bed, please go to Donate Now and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "A1 Family Aid". Thank you so much for caring for Rosa and helping to keep her safe! Any amount you can donate helps her! Any questions can be emailed to familyaid@mayanfamilies.org

Thank you so much!

2011-11-29T12:31:00.000-08:00

Many of the members of our Elderly Care Program have received water filters and food this month, all thanks to many generous donors. Clean water and nutritious food are essential for our elderly. Many of them suffer from multiple health problems as they age, so they are not usually strong enough to fight illnesses caused by malnutrition or drinking dirty water. Your donations have helped our elderly to stay healthy and strong. Thank you so, so much for your care and generosity!

To donate to our Elderly Care Program and give an elderly person a warm, homemade lunch every day, please go to Donate Now and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "Elderly Care Program". Thank you so much on behalf of the many elderly who are helped by your generosity!

Sad News

2011-11-25T14:38:00.000-08:00

A dear member of our elderly care program, Lucia, passed away today. She had been ill for a while, unable to eat very much and extremely weak. Her condition worsened and we are very sad to report she passed away.

We are asking for help in raising $182 to help her family pay for the funeral costs, which include a traditional ceremony for family and friends and a meal hosted by the family.

If you would like to make a one-time donation, please go to Donate Now, and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "A16 Family Aid". Thank you so much!

Great News!

2011-11-17T09:51:00.000-08:00

Adrian with his new bed (his correct number is A-79)

Thank you so much to everyone who donated for a bed for Adrian! We are so happy to report that we received enough donations and Adrian now has his new, wooden bed and a mattress! This will make a huge difference in his life as he is able to sleep comfortably and he knows that there are people around the world who care for him! Thank you so much to everyone!

Read Adrian's story here.

Santiago needs urgent help!

2011-11-16T08:41:00.000-08:00

Santiago is a dear member of our Elderly Care Program. In September, he started becoming ill and we were worried about him. We sent him to a doctor where he was examined and given medication for an ulcer, severe inflammation, and stomach and leg pain. However, the doctor wanted Santiago to return the next morning at 7:00am for a blood test. The challenge is that Santiago lives quite far away and he can't walk. There is also a long path to his house that is very narrow and rocky, impossible to drive. Therefore, we had to have our staff carry Santiago down the mountanous terrain to the car. And then we would drive him to the hospital, which was still far away.

The doctor kept wanting Santiago to return for more exams and check-ups, but we really struggled finding enough staff to carry him and drive him so frequently. We tried to brainstorm some other options, including using firemen to carry him. Eventually, the family tired from the process and Santiago started to get better so they decided it would be best for Santiago to just recover at home and not return to the doctor anymore. The family said that they would contact us if he got worse.

We just found out that Santiago has been in the hospital in Solola for a week, due to pain and inflammation again. This morning the doctors told the family that they want to send Santiago to the hospital in the capital because his situation is deteriorating. We're still not 100% sure what is wrong with Santiago, but the doctors in Solola are confident that they can't do anything more to help him.

The cost of taking Santiago to the capital, admitting him to the hospital, and running several exams is $75. Hopefully we can soon discover what is wrong with Santiago and treat him in the capital, where they have more equipment and doctors. Any amount that you could give to help Santiago, would be greatly appreciated. We would like to send him to the capital as soon as possible, so please spread the word about Santiago's urgent need. Thank you so much!

Please go to Donate Now, and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "A75 Medical".

Questions? Email us at familyaid@mayanfamilies.org

World Diabetes Day

2011-11-14T15:28:00.001-08:00

Today is World's Dibetes Day. In honor of this day and in an effort to edcuate the local population, we held our monthly Diabetes Club today. Sixty-two people came to the club. The meeting began at 8:30 and we gave free blood exams, physical exams, and each person received a one-on-one consultation with a doctor and nutritionist. Medical staff led three discussions about neuropathy, diet, and exercise. At the end of the club, we handed out pamphlets explaining how to control your diabetes and the right foods to eat, and then we gave everyone a healhty lunch. People came from all over the lake-region, some came from far away, even across the lake.

When measuring blood sugar levels, we were shocked with what we saw. Keep in mind that a normal measurement is 100 and below. However, in our club today we had 21 people with measurements above 200, and 3 people had measurements above 400! We gave them shots of insulin right away, knowing that they were in great danger with such high blood sugar levels. This shows how dangerous diabetes is among Guatemalans and how desperate our Club is needed to help educate people.

Diabetes is a serious illness that effects many people all over the world. The poverty and lack of education that is so prevalent in Guatemala often makes diabetes invisible and deadly. Please consider making a donation to our Diabetes Club so we can continue our efforts in educating people and helping individuals live with diabetes in a healthy way.

Please go to Donate Now, and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "Diabetes Club". Thank you so much!

Medical Help needed for our Elderly!

2011-11-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

Besides providing a nutritious meal each day for our Elderly in Panajachel and San Jorge, we want to support them with Health Care as well. Many of them suffer from constant pain and need milk and diapers to have a little more comfort in this stage of their lives.

To sponsor an Elderly with medical care means so much for them an their families. It is a way to reduce the suffering and pain of these people who have already suffered a lot.

Mrs Florencia A-05

Mrs. Lucia A16

At the moment we have 6 Elderly in our Panajachel program that are in great need of a sponsor:

Mrs. Florencia Bocel (A-05) is 92 years old and she needs medicine and diapers. It would cost $100 per month to provide her with that.

Mrs. Lucia (A-16) is 86 years old and she needs pain killers, diapers, and a fortified milk beverage every day. It costs $100 to sponsor her for a month.

Mrs. Isabel (A-27) is 80 years old and she is extremely thin and weak. She needs fortified milk and a protein powder called Incaparina in order to feel a little bit stronger. It would cost $117 to provide her with that for 1 month.

Mrs. Isabel A27

Mrs. Josefa A-18

Mrs. Josefa (A-18) she needs on-going treatment and diapers. It costs $100 per month to sponsor her.

Mr. Santiago A-75

Mr. Santiago (A-75) is extremely weak and the daily meal he gets is not enough to keep his body functioning well. He needs fortified milk, Incaparina, and diapers. It costs $100 to sponsor him.

Mrs. Maximiliana A-26

Ms. Maximiliana (A-26) suffers from diabetes and she needs to have her medicine on a constant basis. It costs $50 per month to provide her with her medicine.

We understand that many of our Elderly need donations and it is difficult to choose who to help, but any amount that you can give will be of great help for these sweet members of our community. It is hard to get to an advanced age and not have enough to eat or to be forced to live with an aching body constantly. Many of our Elderly have lived long, difficult lives, and we want to make their lives as comfortable as possible now, and we need your help!

If you would like to help one of the Elderly in our program, please go to Donate Now, and enter your donation in the "Other" box. In the "Details" box, write the number of the Elderly you want to help (A - XX).

Or you can donate monthly to ensure that one gets their monthly needs. Go to Donate Monthly and enter your donation in the "Other Program" box. Under "Description" write "A and the number of the elderly you want to help" and write how much you'd like to donate per month.

If you have questions, feel free to send an email to familyaid@mayanfamilies.org

Thank you!!!

UPDATE: Pedro is doing better

2011-11-07T10:34:00.000-08:00

We want to thank all of you who have generously given to Pedro and helped him during this difficult time. You can read the last blog about his health here. Thanks to your donations, we were able to take Pedro to a private doctor and run several exams. The exams showed that Pedro has high blood pressure, that he is malnourished, and that he has amoebas. The doctor prescribed three different medications which we were able to buy with your donations and Pedro has been taking them regularly. We also have enough money to pay for Pedro to receive 3 meals a day for one month. Thank you so much!

We visited Pedro this morning to make sure he is feeling better and to remind him that he has another doctor appointment on Thursday. Thanks to your generous care, Pedro is eating better and feeling better! We hope that the worst is behind him and that he will continue to improve. Thank you so much!

Adrian is sleeping on a piece of wood

2011-11-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

Mr. Adrian is the newest elderly in our Elderly Care Program. He is 86 years old and lives in a family compound with his daughter, granddaughter, and their families.

His daughter and granddaughter are his sole caregivers, but they both struggle to support their own families. They are really anxious and worried that they cannot take care of Adrian as well as they would like to.

Since Tuesday this week, when his family came to the office to ask for help, Adrian is receiving one nutritious meal per day through the Mayan Families Feeding Program. The family is so relieved that he is eating well at least once a day, because he had been losing a lot of weight and getting sick due to malnutrition.

We went to visit Adrian's house and it was very upsetting to see that he is sleeping on a piece of wood (a door, actually) that the family borrowed from a neighbor. Furthermore, it is more upsetting to know that as bad as it seems to be sleeping on a piece of wood, Adrian is just glad he isn't sleeping on the floor.

If you can help Adrian be more comfortable by giving him a bed with a mattress, please go to Donate Now and scroll down. Enter $170 in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "A79 Bed and Mattress". If you want to help Adrian with food or medicine, enter your donation in the "Other $" box and write A79 in the "Details" box. Any amount will help Adrian tremendously! Thank you so much!

Pedro is very sick

2011-10-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

We have sad news regarding Pedro, a dear member of our Elderly Care Program. We have visited him a lot the past several days to check on him after the storms and to see how he's doing with his partial facial paralysis. We knew that his health was deteriorating, but we didn't expect him to get so bad so quickly. We took him to a doctor this morning and were told his blood pressure was dangerously high and Pedro needed to be taken to the hospital in Solola immediately. However, Pedro has no family to look after him, so we were hesitant to send him far away (a difficult trip with the current road conditions) where no one from Mayan Families could check on him regularly. Therefore, we sent him to a private doctor here in Panajachel this afternoon who has given him medicine for his high blood pressure and wants to see him first thing in the morning to run some blood tests and other examinations. The cost for Pedro's medication, multiple doctor consultations, and examinations is $125.

The doctor has strongly advised Pedro not to do any physical activity for at least a month and that he must rest in bed so that his blood pressure does not rise even more. However, Pedro has an arrangement with his neighbor where he works around the house and in return she gives him breakfast and dinner. Because Pedro cannot work for his meals, we are hoping to be able to pay his neighbor for his breakfast and dinner. This way, Pedro will be able to rest and still receive 3 meals a day (one from Mayan Families, two from his neighbor). The cost of feeding Pedro these meals for one month will cost $120. We are very sad that Pedro's health is deterioritating, but we are hoping that with proper medical care and lots of rest, he will improve soon.

To donate to Pedro and help him get better, please go to Donate Now, and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "A6 Medical". Any amount will help Pedro tremendously! Thank you so much!

Questions? Email us at familyaid@mayanfamilies.org

Celestina needs medicine to fight an infection

2011-10-25T14:24:00.000-07:00

Celestina lives in San Jorge and is in our Elderly Care Program. Today, her daughter traveled to our office very concerned about her mother. Celestina suffers greatly from arthritis, but to makes things even more difficult, she was recently bitten by some type of insect in her home. The bite is on her finger and has become severely infected. She is in desperate need of medication so that her hand can return to normal. She has already gone to the hospital in Solola and has been prescribed a special medication, which costs $25. If you can donate to Celestina, it will make a huge difference in helping her to heal and recover from this infection.

Please go to Donate Now and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "A53 Medical".

Thank you so much! Questions? Email us at familyaid@mayanfamilies.org

Caring for the elderly

2011-10-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all of you who have given to our elderly, especially during the storms these past several days. Thanks to your generous donations, we have been visiting the elderly in our program and passing out necessities, such as vitamin-enriched powdered drinks, oatmeal, Ensure, and adult diapers, just to name a few. We have also had several volunteer nurses and a doctor traveling to homes to check up on our elderly during these colder temperatures.

This is Pedro. He doesn't have any living family, but thanks to caring neighbors and Mayan Families, he does have people who check on him regularly and feed him. He currently suffers from a temporary face paralysis on his left side. Thanks to your donations, we're able to help him receive steroid injections that are improving his paralysis. We've also made sure that he has plenty of soft foods and warm drinks since he cannot chew solid food right now due to the paralysis. When we visited Pedro, he gratefully showed us the food supplies that Mayan Families had donated to him. He is so very thankful for the support he receives from your donations! Thank you for helping him!

Tropical Storm Update of our Elderly

2011-10-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

The brothers in the shelter

We are so relieved to report that most of those in our Elderly Care Program are doing well after the Tropical Storm that recently hit Panajachel. I'm sure many of you have already heard, but we have had devastating amounts of rain that has led to mudslides, flooding, and the destruction of many homes. All roads in or out of Pana have been closed, all schools have been closed, and electricity comes and goes. Panajachel set up an emergency shelter in the town's gymnasium, and we visited each day to pass out warm clothes, diapers for children, and adult diapers. Only two members of our elderly care program, brothers Miguel and Manuel, were brought to the shelter. Unfortunately, their home began to take in water, so extended family members brought them to the shelter. When we visited them we were somewhat concerned because they were completely alone, and they need help with feedings and diaper changes. But we called their neice and made sure that they were properly cared for. We're happy to report that yesterday Miguel and Manuel were able to leave the shelter and go to a dry home. We will continue to check up on them, but it appears that they are in a safe, dry place.

The brothers leaving the shelter

While we are not able to go to San Jorge because the roads are closed, we have been able to be in contact with those who run our Elderly Care Program there. We're so relieved to know that almost all of our elderly are doing well after the storm. However, there is one woman in particular, Alejandra, whose home has been compromised and it is not safe for living. The home has let in water and everything is damp and muddy. Furthermore, there is a great risk that the home may collapse. However, Alejandra and her family have no place to go, so they continue to live in this home, which is not safe for them. We want to help relocate them or build a secure wall near their home to prevent collapse, but we cannot get to San Jorge right now. Hopefully we can assess the damage soon and help this family live in a more secure home.

We will update the blog with more details as we get them, but we just wanted to let everyone know that most of our elderly are doing okay despite the storms. Of course, with so much rain and the news reports saying the rain will continue for 2 more days straight, many of our elderly will be affected by the cold temperatures. Because homes in Guatemala tend to trap humidity, many homes will be very damp and cold.

Thank you for caring for our elderly and please email us at familyaid@mayanfamilies.org if you have any questions.

Diabetes Club

2011-10-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

From time to time, we'll post stories of families affected by diabetes so you can see how many lives in Guatemala are affected by this illness. If you would like to donate to our Diabetic Club, which meets monthly and provides one-on-one medical assistance and education to persons afflicted with diabetes, please go to Donate Now, and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "Diabetes Club".

Thank you so much!
___________________________________

Crecencia lost her husband and four of her children

Crecencia is not even 40 years old yet and she has already been through a lot in her life. This year has been especially tragic for her.

Nicolas, Crecencia's husband was diabetic and the family didn't have enough money to give him proper medical care. Because of this, Nicolas was rushed to the hospital many times in the last few years as a result of complications with his diabetes. From these hospital trips, the family contracted a huge debt to pay for his treatment. Unfortunately due to lack of proper medical care, last February Nicolas passed away at home. He left behind his wife with 8 kids to raise by herself.

Perhaps his death could have been prevented, but the family could not afford proper medical attention or medicine for his diabetes. We're trying to do everything we can to prevent this illness from taking more lives. Please consider donating to our Diabetes Club. Thank you!

Read Crecencia's full story here.

Biography: Felipa Ramos Bocel

2011-10-07T10:35:00.000-07:00

Felipa Ramos Bocel (A38):

Felipa is 78 years old (2011) and lives in San Jorge. Her primary language is Kaqchiquel and she never had the chance to go to school. She had a husband and children, but they died several years ago, so she lives alone. To pay for her needs, she sells the things left by her husband and she also makes her own thread to make bracelets. She sells her bracelets on the street. She has to pay for light monthly and rent for her home, which is expensive and she often doesn't make enough money. Her home has only one room and the ground is made of dirt. She doesn't have a water filter, and only has a very small pila. She does not have a bed, but sleeps on the floor on top of a few boards.

Biography: Marcela Coj Samines

2011-10-07T10:34:00.003-07:00

Marcela Coj Samines (A36):

Marcela is 87 years old (2011) and lives in San Jorge. She never had the opportunity to go to school and her primary language is Kaqchiquel. She is widowed and has two children. She is very poor and only receives Q400 each month. This is not enough money to pay for her needs, which include buying wood for her fire, paying for her light, and buying food. Marcela's daughter owns the home that she lives in. Her home is made of wood and has a dirt floor. She cooks over an open fire. Marcela doesn't have a water filter or pila; she has to carry her water to her home from the public pila in town. She doesn't have a place to shower, so she uses the shower in her son's home. She doesn't have a place to put her clothes, so she uses cardboard boxes. Marcela also suffers from asthma, but she cannot afford her medicine. She now has a bed with a mattress, thanks to Mayan Families donations, but she used to sleep on the floor for many years. Her only consistent source of food is the lunch she receives every day from Mayan Families. She often goes without breakfast or dinner.

Biography: Rosa Guit Ramos

2011-10-07T10:34:00.002-07:00

Rosa Guit Ramos (A32)

Rosa is 88 years old (2011) and lives in San Jorge. She never went to school and her primary language is Kaqchiquel. She is widowed and has four children. Rosa lives with one of her daughters, and this daughter helps to feed her and provide for her. Rosa and her daughter live in a one-room home, which they own. The home is made of wood and has a dirt floor. They do have a water filter, pila, and bathroom. They have a table with four chairs, one closet, and one bed with a mattress.

Biography: Maria Coroxon

2011-10-07T10:34:00.001-07:00

Maria Coroxon (A31)

Maria is 95 years old (2011) and lives alone in San Jorge. She never went to school and her primary language is Kaqchiquel. Maria is widowed and has four children, but they do not help her very much financially, because they can barely provide for their own families. As a result, Maria is very grateful for Mayan Families and the warm lunch she receives every day. She rents her simple two-room home. The floor is made of dirt and she doesn't have a place to shower or a water filter. She cooks over an open fire and has no place to put her clothes except a cardboard box. She has one table, one chair, and one bed, and now thanks to a generous donor, she has a mattress!

Biography: Maria Felipa Coros

2011-10-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

Maria Felipa Coros (A30)

Maria is 74 years old (in 2011) and lives in San Jorge. She never went to school and primarily speaks Kaqchiquel. Maria has been widowed for many years, but she has two daughters and one son who are still living. Only one of her daughters helps her financially and gives her some food. However, the help and food that she receives from her daughter is very little because her daughter has her own children whom she struggles to provide for. Maria lives in a one-room home, which is small and very simple. The home is made half of cement block and half of wooden plywood. There is only a dirt floor. Maria doesn't have a water filter, stove, pila, or shower. She has no place to keep her clothes except in a cardboard box. She doesn't have any tables or chairs, but she does have one bed made of wood.

Our Diabetes Club needs your help!

2011-10-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

Many Guatemalans suffer from diabetes. This is an unfortunate outcome of poor diets and malnourishment, which is very common among impoverished families. And if the family is poor, then treatment for diabetes is rarely even an option. There is no cure for diabetes, only strategies on how to live with it. So when a person becomes diabetic their life is forever changed and they always have an imminent medical need. Many lose their eyesight and have trouble walking, which makes it very difficult for them to find jobs and provide for themselves.

We have had several families come to us with diabetes and medical costs related to diabetes. Often, the family is plunged into debt because of the medical emergencies which often result from diabetes. For those who know that they have diabetes, very rarely can they afford the much needed medicines, nor can they afford to change their diet. Most people are just happy to have 2 or 3 meals a day, they find it very difficult to have the money to eat the right kinds of foods if they have diabetes.

Because of this, we at Mayan Families have begun a Diabetes Club that meets monthly. From the members of our club, we have been realizing more and more how much of a problem diabetes is here and how many families need medical assistance because of it. At our Club, we give general physical exams and test blood levels. We also teach people about diabetes and hand out information on what they should or shouldn't eat. Thanks to our volunteer medical staff, we are able to give one-on-one consultation regarding living a healthy life with diabetes.

Because so many poor people are affected by diabetes, our Diabetes Club is a much needed resource for families. However, we need financial assistance to keep it up and running. If you would like to donate to our Diabetes Club, please go to Donate Now and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "Diabetes Club". Thank you!

Medical Help for Our Elderly!

2011-09-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

We are so happy to report that we have a new doctor volunteering with our Elderly Care Program! Thanks to this doctor, we are able to visit our elderly every week and give them a general examination. The doctor brings along some basic equipment and talks with each elderly person about his/her pain and ailments. It has been a wonderful gift to be able to go into the homes of our elderly and give an overall medical assessment. From these visits, we then try to procure the proper medicines for each of them, or we run more tests, etc.

However, we are not just assessing physical health, but the doctor is also focusing on the elderly's community activities and their ability to leave their house and engage in social opportunities. As you all know, it is important not to only be physically healthy, but to also have a dignified sense of purpose and relationships. We are trying to assess all of these aspects of each of our elderly. It is a big undertaking, but we believe that each person deserves the time and effort so that we can try to create opportunities for better health and better communities.

Here are a few pictures of our recent visits:

If you would like to help our elderly, please donate to this important program. Please go to Donate Now, and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "Elderly Care Program". Many of our participants are bed-ridden and are dependent on the warm, nutritious meal that we bring to them every day. We are committed to letting each of our elderly know that there are people who still care for them and we are trying to give them comfort and joy in their final years. Thank you so much for being part of this valuable endeavor!

Our elderly need your help

2011-09-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

The weather is getting cooler here in Guatemala, and those who are living in delapidated houses are feeling these cooler temperatures the most. As a result, we have many needs among our elderly. If you would like to give a general donation to our Elderly Care Program, please go to Donate Now, and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "Elderly Care Program".

Or if you would like to donate to a specific elderly person in our program, please read below to learn of some our most recent needs:

Juana Tereta is getting more and more weak, she cannot sit up in bed anymore. She is losing weight and doesn't have much of an appetite. Because it is difficult for her to eat, we'd like to buy her a supply of Ensure milk. This will help give her vitamins and minerals and hopefully strengthen her. We'd like to give her a large supply of Ensure which costs $31. If you'd like to make a one-time donation for Juana, please go to Donate Now, and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "A73 Medical".

Manuel and Miguel are very sweet brothers who have been in our program for a while. Thanks to your donations, their niece is able to take care of them every day. However, with the colder weather coming, they are in need of two blankets that cost $50. They also need more nutritious food. To give them a large supple of Ensure costs $62, and to feed them warm soups and atole (a nutritious Guatemalan form of oatmeal) will cost $35. The cost to provide warmth and food for these brothers is $147 total. If you'd like to make a one-time donation, please go to Donate Now, and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "A24 Medical" to donate to Miguel or "A25 Medical" to donate to Manuel.

Santiago cannot get out of bed alone, so he lays in bed almost all day every day. However, his bed consists of a frame and thin straw mat. Santiago's body is aging and he is often in pain. He is in desperate need of a mattress so that he can lay in bed and at least have a few moments free from pain. To give him a mattress costs $45. Also, as the weather is getting colder, Santiago needs a blanket which costs $25. We'd like to give him a supply of Ensure so that he receives proper nutrients, which costs $31. To give Santiago all of these necessities costs $101 total. If you'd like to make a one-time donation for Santiago, please go to Donate Now, and scroll down. Enter your donation in the "Other $" box. In the "Details" box, write "A75 Medical".

Thank you so much for caring for our elderly! We strive to give them dignity and comfort as they age, and we can't do it without your help!

If you have any questions, email us at familyaid@mayanfamilies.org

The passing of Oscar

2011-09-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

We are sorry to report that Oscar, who was in our Elderly Care Program, has passed away. Thanks to your generosity, Oscar was able to live a better life in his last days. We're sad that he has passed, but are grateful for the opportunity to have helped him and be part of his life.

Dolores needs help paying for her medicine

2011-09-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

Update September 2011

Dolores is part of our Elderly Care Program and has been having problems for a while with convulsions and trembling. She and her family are very poor and Dolores' trembling has gotten so bad that she's unable to get out of bed or leave her one-bedroom home. Thanks to your financial support, she has seen the doctor and has been prescribed an effective treatment. However, she and her family cannot afford the medicine. If Dolores can take her medicine regularly, the convulsions should get better so that she can function normally. Her medicine costs $55 each month.

If you would like to help pay for Dolores' medicine, please go to Donate Now, and enter your donation in the "Other" box. In the "Details" box, write "A70 Medical".

Or you can donate monthly to ensure Dolores can maintain her treatment. Go to Donate Monthly and enter your donation in the "Other Program" box. Under "description" write "A70 medical" and write how much you'd like to donate per month.

Thank you! If you have any questions, please send an email to familyaid@mayanfamilies.org

_______________________________________________________________________
Original Post

Dolores is one of the newest additions to our Panajachel elderly care program--she was set to receive her first meals this week, but unfortunately she hasn't been home to get them, because she has been in the hospital. Dolores, who is diabetic, was sick last week with what seemed like the flu. Her daughter, Isabel, brought her to the doctor, who gave her a syrup that he said should make her feel better. Unfortunately, however, the syrup was sugary, and after two days, Dolores began convulsing, possibly because of high blood sugar. Isabel rushed her mother to the hospital, where they did little more than give her IV fluids. After two days in the hospital, with the convulsions continuing, Isabel did not feel that they were caring for her mother, so she brought her home. Right now, Dolores is in her single room in Pana, and she is suffering from convulsions about every five minutes. The convulsions themselves last several minutes, and Dolores is spending almost as much time shaking as not. In between bouts, though, her mind is clear and she is able to speak.

Dolores clearly needs more attention than the doctors in the public hospital were willing to give her, but Isabel can't afford to take her to a private clinic. It will cost about $75 to get Dolores to a private doctor and begin treatment. If you would like to help her get the care that she needs, please go to Donate Now, and enter your donation in the "Other" box. In the "Details," write "A70 Medical". Thank you!

Dolores lives in Panajachel with her husband, who also suffers from medical problems. They live in a single room next to Isabel and her children (ages 22, 20 and 17). Isabel and her siblings all chip in to pay the modest rent for their parents' room, but even that is a stretch. Isabel's two sons, Antonio and Alberto, are studying, but both work taking gravel out of the river--a very difficult job, with low and uncertain pay--in order to support the family. Her daughter Josefina, 17, is studying full time (Antonio and Josefina have scholarships through another organization). Isabel does what she can to care for her parents, but with the rainy season coming, it is likely that the boys won't be able to mine gravel for a few months, leaving the family without an income. Any help that you can give them as they try to care for Dolores would be very much appreciated.

Domingo needs medicine

2011-09-07T09:37:00.000-07:00

Update September 2011

Domingo came to us yesterday because he has developed a chronic eye problem. He needs special medication, but cannot afford it himself. He and his family are part of our Family Aid Program and have experienced some terrible tragedies due to their poverty (see the original post below). Domingo's medicine costs $20 per month. We're looking for someone to sponsor Domingo and pay for his medicine each month so that his eyesight will improve and he can be more self-sufficient.

To help Domingo and pay for his medication, Donate Monthly and enter your donation in the "Other Program" box. Under "Description" write "A71 medical" and write how much you'd like to donate per month.

Or if you'd like to make a one-time donation, Donate Here and enter your donation in the "Other" box near the bottom. Under "Details" write "A71 medical." Thank you so much!

If you have any questions, please send an email to familyaid@mayanfamilies.org

_________________________________
Original Post

Domingo Lopez Ahu is in his 80s, and his health has been deteriorating for some time. The last time he saw a doctor, at the public hospital in Sololá, doctors told him that he had only one functioning kidney, and that his prostate required surgery, but he was not strong enough to have the operation. They sent him home without medication. That was two years ago. Today, he is mostly bedridden, and he suffers from fainting spells if he gets up. He has had no medical treatment at all since, and suffers from pain without the help of any medication.

We heard about Domingo’s condition through his grandson, Marco, who came to Mayan Families because of another medical emergency—his wife had been the victim of malpractice. Sadly, though we were able to ensure that she had quality care, Marco’s wife passed away. This tragedy came just 6 months after the untimely death of Marco’s younger brother. This has been a disastrous year for Domingo’s family, many of whom live together in the same home as Domingo. Medical bills have left Marco over 50,000 Quetzales in debt, and put a heavy strain on the family’s finances. They don’t have the money to take Domingo to a doctor. The family knows that there isn’t much they can do, but it hurts them to see him in pain, and they would like to get Domingo some type of pain medication to make him more comfortable.

Because of Domingo’s age and existing health problems, it will require a visit to the doctor to determine what medication is appropriate. We need just $45 to send Don Domingo to a trustworthy doctor who can help his family determine how best to care for him.

To help Domingo’s family take him to the doctor, go to Donate Now, and enter your donation in the "Other" box. Under "Description," write "A71 medical." Thank you!

Update: Maximiliana had a stroke

2011-08-16T15:33:00.000-07:00

Update August 2011

Maximiliana, Manuel and Miguel's sister, had a stroke last week. Fortunately, she didn't suffer any brain damage and will be fine. However, she will have to stay in bed and take medicine until she is fully recovered.

Her medications cost $62 per month. If you want to help Maximiliana get better, please click donate now, scroll down to the other box and enter A26 - Medical Care. Any amount will be greatly appreciated.

If you have any questions please send an email to dina@mayanfamilies.org.

Thank you!

Update May 6th
Thanks so much to generous donations, Manuel got a brand new mattress for his bed. He is so grateful!!
Thank you to those who made this possible.

Update Feb 18th 2011--Manuel Needs a Mattress!

Manuel's bug-ridden mattress

Manuel's thin cotton mattress is dirty and flattened with years of use, and we found out this week that it is infested with fleas or bedbugs. We can get Manuel a new mattress for just $45. If you would like to help make Manuel's nights more comfortable, please go to Donate Now, and enter the amount of your donation in the "Other" box, with "A25 mattress" in the description. Thank you!

Update Feb 14th 2011
We distributed vitamins to Manuel, Miguel and Maximiliana today and we asked them how they are and if they are in need of anything. They are very grateful to be receiving the Mayan Families lunch everyday. Although Miguel has been bedbound since an accident at work years ago, he is continuing to do his exercises from bed - to ensure he doesn't get bed sores or suffer too much muscle deterioration. This same accident resulted in brain damage as well leaving him unable to walk. He has since been unable to form sentences, but he is always delighted to see us. Manuel has been doing much better with his health concerns, but we are keeping an eye on him and his niece is always attentive to his medical and health needs. If you would like to make a donation to Manuel, Miguel and Maximiliana to ensure we can continue bringing them lunches and provide for their medicines please go to the donate now page, scroll down to the other box and enter A24 for Miguel, A25 for Manuel, and/or A26 for Maximiliana. Thank you for your support.

* December 9, 2010 Update *

We have received $100 for Manuel's initial examinations and medications.

We're now awaiting some lab results to find out what the next steps should be and will be sure to keep you posted! Thank you so much for your support.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manuel on December 8th

We have just been informed that Manuel Parajon, one of our Elderly Care Program members, is suffering from a very badly inflamed prostate. He has been using a catheter for two years, and it has recently been filling up with blood. The family rushed him to the public health clinic, where doctors recommended ultrasound examinations and lab tests as soon as possible in order to determine the source of the problem and whether Manuel needs an operation.

Manuel is a very sweet 78 year old man. He lives with his sister Maximiliana and his brother Miguel, who are both also in our Elderly Care Program. Manuel was born with a mental disorder (we are not told what) and cannot speak, but he always communicates such joy with huge (ear to ear!) grins and laughter. He loves Mayan Families visits, and his reaction when we come at lunchtime always brings us and his family to smiles, and often to laughs. For the past 40 years Manuel has been living with Maximiliana. He was never married and does not have children; Maximiliana, Manuel, and Maximiliana’s children are his closest family. Maximiliana’s 38-year-old daughter, Pati, also takes care of Manuel and Miguel, especially now that Maximiliana is finding herself with less energy than in her younger years.

Manuel just last week, receiving a donation of towels, soap, and a blanket. There is an obvious, dramatic difference between him then and now (see the first photo).

Manuel started having prostate problems two years ago. He has been using a catheter since then. He used to take medicine, but since Pati got very sick 4 months ago with major hernia, the family hasn’t been able to afford it for him.

The past few days have been the first that we have seen Manuel not smiling. He urgently needs medical attention, but Pati’s illness has drained the family of their resources and they simply cannot pay for it—In this family of 15, there are 11 dependents, including 8 children and 2 very unwell adults, and only 3 adults earning very low and very inconsistent wages (about $20/month each). Please help Manuel get examined and treated as soon as possible. We estimate that $100 will cover preliminary examinations and temporary medications to ensure that Manuel remains stable until further treatment, and we'll update the blog as soon as we have more exact cost information. To make a donation, please click here and enter “Elderly Care, Manuel Parajon” in the Other box. We will be sure to keep you updated on his condition. Thank you so much for your time and support.

Miguel on November 9th, receiving some clothes donations, and very excited about it!

Update: Enriqueta is in a lot of pain

2011-06-23T15:33:00.000-07:00

Update July 20th, 2011

We are very sorry to inform that yesterday Enriqueta passed away.

She was no longer speaking or eating and was suffering and in pain with her sores, muscles, and nerves. We know she is in peace now.

We thank all the support we received for her and her family during this difficult time.

____________________________

Update June 2011

We were able to send Enriqueta to the hospital last week where they treated her ulcer and helped relieve her pain. She is feeling better and is back at home. We would like to provide her with her medications, but we would need some help doing so. The total cost of Enriqueta's medication is $151. To donate any amount, big or small, please go to Donate Now and enter your donation in the "other" box and "A71" in the "details" box.

We could not continue to do what we do without your support.

Thank you!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This lovely lady has been going through a lot recently. While her pressure sores and arthritis are now under control, she has developed an ulcer and is in a lot of pain.

She is not eating well and her family says that she constantly complains of stomach pain. On top of that, she has stopped talking. She was seen by a doctor yesterday, but he said they have to take her to the hospital. The family, however, is very concerned about taking her to the public hospital here in Pana because last time they were there the doctors did not give her proper care. They even refused to give her water to allow her to take her medicine.

It will cost U$50 to take her to a private doctor and buy her medicine. If you want to help Enriqueta and her family, please go to Donate Now and enter your donation in the "other" box and "A71" in the "Details" box.

Thank you for your help!

_________________________

Original post

Sweet Enriqueta developed pressure sores

Enriqueta is a very sweet 83 year old lady who recently had a stroke. Her left side is now paralyzed and due to her advanced age she won't be able to recover completely. She spends her days lying on her bed, she hardly speaks and needs help even with the most basic things such as turning in bed.

We recently found out she has some pressure sores in her left heel and in her back. Luckily we have a nurse volunteer with us who took a look at Enriqueta and pointed out that her family is taking good care of her and her granddaughters are doing everything they can to keep her as comfortable as possible which is essential for her well being, however the family doesn't have enough money to pay for her medicines and bandages for the wound.

Because she spends her days in bed, she needs to be as comfortable as possible and at the moment she doesn't have a proper bed, a mattress nor the pillows she needs to avoid the wounds touching the bed. As her wounds have to be cleaned very often, a water filter would be of great use as well, because the family has to buy a lot of bottled water and it is expensive for them.

A bed with mattress for her will cost U$170, the water filter costs U$50, her medical supplies will cost around U$30 and her medicine for the arthritis costs U$35 a month. If you would like to help Enriqueta with any of these items, please go to Donate Now and enter your donation in the "other" box, with "A71" and the purpose of your donation in the "Details" box.

Update: Manuel and Miguel need help!

2011-06-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

Update on Manuel and Miguel

These two sweet, elderly brothers are in a difficult situation. They both have disabilities and are in no state to take care of themselves. They are both in our Elderly Care Program, which means they receive one nutritious meal per day. Since they are not able to feed themselves, we always leave the food with their sister. However, we recently discovered that their sister does not give them the food everyday, sometimes only giving them tortillas.

Their niece brought them to the office last week because she is really worried about their health. They are losing weight and are constantly sick due to malnutrition.

Their niece has her own family and needs to work to support her kids, but she would be more than happy to take care of her uncles if we could help her financially.

If you would like to help these two elderly brothers, please go to Donate Now, scroll down to the "other" field, and write A24 and/or A25 in the "Details" box. It will cost U$100 per month to have the niece take care of them full-time, but any amount would be very helpful! If you have any questions, please send an email to dina@mayanfamilies.org.

Thank you!!!
__________________________________________________________
Original Post

Manuel and Miguel share a little room behind their niece and nephew's house. However, it is an old building and the roof, which is made of tin sheets, leaks when it rains. Now that the rainy season is on it's way, we would like to get the roof replaced so that they can stay dry and warm and so their room will not become damp and moldy, which could easily lead to illness in both of them considering the state of their health. Manuel has an indwelling catheter and the skin around its entry point occasionally gets infected. It is vitally important that he has a dry clean place to live to reduce the risk of infection. Miguel is also at high risk of illness from a damp and moldy room as he can no longer walk and spends all his time in his bed.

Miguel gratefully receiving his donated mattress

To remove the old roof and install a brand new one will cost $130.
If you are able to contribute to this amount please go to the donate now page and enter A24 and/or A25 with the instructions to fix the roof.
To read more about Manuel and Miguel please review older blog posts here.

Thank you for your help in keeping these two men comfortable and healthy!

Sweet Enriqueta developed pressure sores

2011-06-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

Mayan Families can now take Credit Card donations right over the phone!

2011-05-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

Good news! Mayan Families can now take Credit Card donations right over the phone!
And we can take recurring monthly donations this way also!
You may call in a donation to Mayan Families at anytime.
If we do not answer please leave us a message with your name, telephone number and the best time and day to call you back.
Mayan Families accepts Visa, Master Card or American Express. Cash gifts entitle you to tax benefits in the year of your charitable gift.
If you wish to make a donation over the phone, please call Dwight Poage at 619-550-2608 for assistance.

Mayan Families Elderly Care Program: Medical Emergency: Dolores Suffering Convulsions

2011-05-18T04:01:00.000-07:00

Mayan Families Elderly Care Program: Medical Emergency: Dolores Suffering Convulsions: "Dolores is one of the newest additions to our Panajachel elderly care program--she was set to recieve her first meals this week, but unfortu..."

Medical Emergency: Dolores Suffering Convulsions

2011-05-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

Dolores is one of the newest additions to our Panajachel elderly care program--she was set to recieve her first meals this week, but unfortunately she hasn't been home to get them, because she has been in the hospital. Dolores, who is diabetic, was sick last week with what seemed like the flu. Her daugher, Isabel, brought her to the doctor, who gave her a syrup that he said should make her feel better. Unfortunately, however, the syrup was sugary, and after two days, Dolores began convulsing, possibly because of high blood sugar. Isabel rushed her mother to the hospital, where they did little more than give her IV fluids. After two days in the hospital, with the convulsions continuing, Isabel did not feel that they were caring for her mother, so she broght her home. Right now, Dolores is in her single room in Pana, and she is suffering from convulsions about every five minutes. The convulsions themselves last several minutes, and Dolores is spending almost as much time shaking as not. In between bouts, though, her mind is clear and she is able to speak.

Maria Vincenta

2011-05-13T16:29:00.000-07:00

Maria Vincenta in her house

Maria Vincenta lives in the village of San Jorge with her daughter and grandson. She is fortunate enough to own her own house but she does not have electricity or running water. She has an onil stove, although she only has an outdoor kitchen to use it in. She has lived for many years with blindness, but she has never known what caused it. Her eyes still get very watery whenever she goes out into the sunshine. She has been unable to work since losing her sight and always needs to be led around by someone if she leaves the house. She is very fortunate to have caring family members who are happy to do this when they can, but she does find it very hard to walk as she is very frail and often feels too weak to do much.
Maria is very fortunate to have a caring and supportive family, however they all struggle greatly to be able to provide her with enough food, and they all often go without. If you would like to ensure Maria gets at least one nutritious meal a day at the San Jorge lunch centre it costs $40 a month. Please go to the donate monthly page and enter A62 in the other program box.
Thank you for your support.

Sad news of Juan

2011-05-10T07:08:00.000-07:00

Update May 9th 2011

Today we heard the very sad news that Juan passed away this afternoon, shortly after lunch time. No one was aware that he was unwell, and we believe he went peacefully. Thank you to those who contributed to making his last few days of life more comfortable. He was so grateful for the new mattress, and to be receiving daily hot nutritious food. Our hearts and thoughts go out to his wife and family in their time of grief.

We would greatly appreciate any donations toward the funeral, which is always a very costly event for Guatemalan families.

Update April 19th 2011

Juan and Vicenta receiving their new mattress

Thanks to generous donations, Vicenta and Juan are now getting a brand new mattress for their bed!! They will be so delighted when they find out! Thank you so much, this will improve their quality of life considerably. We are also happy to announce that their first month of medication has also been covered by the same generous donor. Thank you for making this wonderful difference to Vicenta and Juan's life.

Original Post

Vicenta Chial is 93 years old, and her husband, Juan Ramos, is 87. They live next to their grandchildren, who give them what they can for breakfast and dinner, to supplement the lunch they get from the program.

Vicenta and Juan outside their grandchildren's home.

Vicenta and Juan have a bed, but no mattress. The lack of a mattress must be especially painful for this couple, since Juan has constant lower back pain, and Vicenta recently fell down, landing on her back. She went to the doctor following the fall, but Juan is distrustful of doctors, and hasn't gone, despite pain in his back and feet. He told us that he would like some over the counter pain medications, though, if we are able to provide them.

The bed, without a mattress, that Vicenta and Juan share.

Vicenta and Juan could most use a mattress, pain medicines, blankets, or a water filter. If you would like to help them, please go to Donate Now, and enter your gift in the 'Other' box. Enter A34 (for Vicenta) and A35 (for Juan) and the purpose of your donation ('mattress', 'meds', etc) in the 'Details' box. It will cost $60 each to keep Vicenta and Juan eating a daily hot meal with Mayan Families, if you are able to assist with them with this please go to the donate monthly page and enter A34 (for Vicenta) or A35 (for Juan). Thank you for your kind assistance!

Santos

2011-05-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

Santos Palas Buch is 57 years old, he lives with his daughter Candelaria, his son in law, and their three children; Jose Antonio, 10, Alex, 7, and Carlos, 5. His son-in-law is the breadwinner for the family and he works as a builders assistant whenever he can find work.
Santos has been blind since June 2010, no one really knows why he went blind. Simply he was fine, then one day his eyes started to itch, and gradually the itchiness became stronger and more frequent and then the itch turned into pain, and he finally went to a doctor. The doctor he consulted at the public hospital said that there was nothing that could be done, and Santos lost his sight in both eyes.
Santos is very fortunate and grateful that he has a caring family who look after him. His 7 year old grandson, Alex, lets Santos put his hand on his shoulder and leads him around from place to place whenever Santos leaves the house.
This family of 6 shares one bedroom and one small kitchen. They have two beds, one of which Santos shares with Alex.
The family already have a stove and water filter. Though they have very little, when we asked them what their needs are, they said they don't really need anything. We would like to make sure that Santos receives daily meals from the Mayan Families Elderly Feeding Program - both to ensure he gets at least one hot meal everyday, and to ensure the rest of the family can conserve what little food they can afford on one small, unstable, poorly paid wage. Sponsoring Santos to ensure he can receive daily hot meals with Mayan Families, and to provide him with daily vitamins would cost $60 monthly. If you would like to sponsor Santos for all or part of this amount please go to the donate monthly page and enter A68 in family name box.
Thank you so much for all your support!

Easter in Guatemala

2011-04-17T05:09:00.000-07:00

Easter in Guatemala

Vicenta and Juan

2011-04-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

Update May 9th 2011
Today we heard the very sad news that Juan passed away this afternoon, shortly after lunch time. No one was aware that he was unwell, and we believe he went peacefully. Thank you to those who contributed to making his last few days of life more comfortable. He was so grateful for the new mattress, and to be receiving daily hot nutritious food. Our hearts and thoughts go out to his wife and family in their time of grief.
We would greatly appreciate any donations toward the funeral, which is always a very costly event for Guatemalan families.

Update April 19th 2011
Thanks to generous donations, Vicenta and Juan are now getting a brand new mattress for their bed!! They will be so delighted when they find out! Thank you so much, this will improve their quality of life considerably. We are also happy to announce that their first month of medication has also been covered by the same generous donor. Thank you for making this wonderful difference to Vicenta and Juan's life.

Original Post
Vicenta Chial is 93 years old, and her husband, Juan Ramos, is 87. They live next to their grandchildren, who give them what they can for breakfast and dinner, to supplement the lunch they get from the program.

Vicenta and Juan outside their grandchildren's home.

The bed, without a mattress, that Vicenta and Juan share.

Vicenta and Juan could most use a mattress, pain medicines, blankets, or a water filter. If you would like to help them, please go to Donate Now, and enter your gift in the 'Other' box. Enter A34 (for Vicenta) and A35 (for Juan) and the purpose of your donation ('mattress', 'meds', etc) in the 'Details' box. It will cost $60 each to keep Vicenta and Juan eating a daily hot meal with Mayan Families, if you are able to assist with them with this please go to the donate monthly page and enter A34 (for Vincenta) or A35 (for Juan). Thank you for your kind assistance!

Savina Bocel Palax

2011-04-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

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!

Maria Luisa Coraxon

2011-04-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

Update May 5th 2011

Maria receiving her new mattress and blanket

Thanks so much to kind donors Maria now has a brand new mattress and a nice thick woolen blanket to keep her warm. Thank you to those who made this possible!

Original Post

Maria in the doorway of her room.

Maria Luisa Coraxon is 89 years old and is entirely alone. She has no children to take care of her or provide any form of support. Because of the lack of family support the only food that Maria is able to eat is the lunch provided by Mayan families. She told us that she saves the tortillas from lunch and brings them home so that there is something to eat in the evenings for dinner. Maria rents a room for just 10 Q a month--essentially nothing--because the landlord knows that she has nowhere else to go. Her tiny home consists of one room, and she has no electricity, no running water, no stove, and no water filter. The walls of her room are covered in a thick black soot from the open fire that is burning inside.

Maria suffers from chronic back pain, which is not helped by the fact that she sleeps on a wooden bed with no mattress. Her aches can be alleviated with simple over the counter painkillers, but she cannot afford to buy them.

We are looking to provide Maria with simple comforts to make her life a little easier. Donations of pain medication, blankets, or a mattress for her bed would make a huge difference in her quality of life. In addition, monthly or one-time gifts of food would help put breakfast and dinner back on her daily schedule. To help Maria, please go to Donate Now (for one-time donations), or Donate Monthly (for monthly gifts), and enter A50, along with the purpose of your donation--'mattress', 'pain meds' 'blankets' etc--in the Other box.

Juana and Rosaria

2011-04-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

Rosaria recieving her new blanket

Update 19 April
Thanks to very generous donations, Juana and Rosaria now both have a brand new thick blanket each to ward off the cold mountain air at night. Thank you for helping these two lovely ladies out!

Original Post
Juana Par, 75, and her daughter, Rosaria, 28, live alone in a house made of wooden boards. They have no family to support them, and before being added to the Mayan Families elderly feeding program in San Jorge, they supported themselves on the $3.30 that Rosaria earns cleaning onions each week.

Juana, 75, and her daughter Rosaria

They cannot afford to buy firewood, so 75 year old Rosaria goes down the mountain to a wooded area to look for it herself, and then carries the heavy load on her back up the mountain to their home. At home, they do not have a water filter, a fuel efficient stove, or a pila to wash clothes and dishes and store water for the frequent times when water is not available in their home. Though they would greatly benefit from help to buy any of these things, what they would most like is blankets to help keep them warm during the cold mountain nights.


Juana at the center

If you would like to help provide some of the basic necessities that Juana and Rosaria are lacking, you can do so at Donate Now, by scrolling down to the "Other" box, and entering the amount of your donation. Enter A65 and A67, along with the purpose of your donation (i.e. 'blankets,' 'filter,' 'stove,' etc).

Good blankets cost $20.
A fuel efficient Onil Stove, which would dramatically decrease their need for firewood--and therefore the amount that Juana has to carry--costs $160.
A water filter, with the filter cartridges which provide clean water for 1-2 years, costs $50.

Maria Felipa needs food

2011-04-05T10:57:00.000-07:00

Maria Felipe with her newly donated bed

Maria Felipa Coros is 75 years old and lives in a house in the hills above San Jorge. She has lived alone since her husband died roughly 30 years ago, and she has no family to assist her. To say that her house is hard to get to would be an understatement. The trek up the long dirt path, which is interrupted frequently by rocks and roots, is difficult for a healthy person; for Maria, who has trouble seeing and cannot wear real shoes, the walk is downright treacherous. Because her home does not have running water, she must often make the hike with a container full of water from the communal water source.

Mayan Families' generous donors have already provided Maria with a stove, bed and water filter, but because she cannot work and has no family support her, her stove is usually empty. She rarely eats more than what is provided by Mayan Families--she usually saves one or two tortillas from lunch to serve as both dinner and the next day's breakfast.

Maria's feet, which cause her so much pain that she can't
wear any shoes, save these plastic sandals.

To help make Maria's breakfasts and dinners more substantial, you can give a one time or a monthly food donation. To make a one-time donation, go to Donate Now--enter your donation in the "Other" box, and enter "A30" in the details section. You can also set up an automatic monthly gift in order to give Maria the stability of a regular food donation. To do so, go to Donate Monthly, and enter "A30" as the family name.

2011-03-31T15:59:00.000-07:00

Andrea Buch lives with her grandchild Claudia. Claudia's mother committed suicide when Claudia was three years old, and Andrea has cared for her ever since. Claudia also had a little sister who was one year old when her mother died, but Andrea was unable to support both of them and she was forced to give the baby away to another family. Claudia's father abandoned her mother and he does not support them in any way, he is married and has a family.

Claudia's grandfather died 30yrs ago from alcoholism and thus raised her mother and now Claudia alone, always struggling to find enough to feed those dependent on her. Until Mayan Families found this little family of two, Claudia had never been to school because her grandmother could not afford it but she is very happy that thanks to her sponsor she now has the opportunity to go.

Andrea usually makes tortillas with beans and brings them to the market to sell on the week ends in Panajachel. She earns $2 US per day. Otherwise she weaves guipils and napkins. She earns $3 US in the week doing this. She has a total of $7 US per week to live on to feed herself and Claudia. However, Andrea has a serious problem with her eyesight. She has lost the sight in one eye and her other eye often hurts, and this is seriously affecting her capacity to work. She therefore has been earning much less in recent months.
Their diet consists mostly of wild herbs that they gather, beans and mostly tortillas with salt.

Even though Andrea owns the house they live in, she is unable to afford electricity. The house is on a very steep cliff and it is a long walk to the main highway, and a very steep walk up from the village's center where they must go to collect water to carry back home. They do not have a pila to wash their clothes and instead they must also carry these down to the village center and then carry them back up. They do not have a closet and so instead they keep their clothes in a cardboard box.

To support Andrea and Claudia to receive healthy hot lunches with the Mayan Families feeding program we estimate it will cost around $29 per month for each of them ($58 for both together). If you are able to assist this family please go to the donate monthly website, go to the other programs box and enter A 64.
Thank you so much!

Cayetana, Maria Anacleta and Guadalupe

2011-03-31T12:02:00.000-07:00

Cayetana

Cayetana is 89 years old. She shares her bed and her one roomed house with one of her daughters, Guadalupe. Another daughter, Maria Anacleta lives next door. Cayetana's husaband died 8 years ago when he got hit my car while walking home one evening. Cayetana is in remarkable health considering her age and the life she has led. Her daughter Maria Anacleta is blind, and therefore relies on Cayetana to lead her whenever she leaves the house, they achieve this by Anacleta holding onto Cayetana's sleeve. Cayetana's other daughter, Guadalupe is also blind, and is furthermore unable to speak or walk. She is now 40 years old and her mother still has to assist her to wash and dress herself. They do not have any furniture other than the bed that Mayan Families donated to them 3 years ago, Cayetana and Guadalupe keep their clothes in a sack on the ground, and Anacleta keeps hers in a cardboard box. They share a kitchen that has a dirt floor and a corrugated iron roof and walls, however the walls and roof have a lot of holes and gaps and during the rainy season (a good 5 or 6 months every year) the floor becomes a quagmire of mud.

Guadalupe

Cayetana, despite her advanced years is the only one of the three women who is able-bodied enough to collect wood to cook with. She has to climb up the steep mountain and then carry back her findings on her head and back.

Maria Anacleta

To support these women in receiving nutritious cooked lunches from the Mayan Families elderly program, and to provide cooking wood bought from the market rather than Cayetana having to fetch it from up the mountain and to provide pain medication and vitamins and a daily hot meal with Mayan Families, we estimate they each require a monthly donation of $67. To provide for Cayetana, please go to the donate monthly page, scroll down to the other programs box and enter A 60
If you would like to support Guadalupe, please go to the donate monthly page and enter A 61
To assist Maria Anacleta please go to the donate monthly page enter A 55
If you would like to make a one-time donation please go to the donate now page, scroll down to the other box and enter A60, A 61 or A 55.
Thank you so much!

Maria Anacleta's bed

Polimena Cun Palax

2011-03-31T10:03:00.000-07:00

Polimena and her grown son, Felipe, lives in a little shack with no water, stove, electricity, or toilet. Felipe has some developmental disabilities; he has never been able to speak, though he can understand and perform simple tasks. Polimena never had the money for a doctor to properly diagnose Felipe, much less get him treatment. Despite the challenges Felipe faces, he is their sole breadwinner. He works cleaning onions, which is one of the lowest paid and least stable types of day labor.

They have virtually nothing. They have no beds, nor even much room on the floor of their small shed, so neighbors let them sleep on the floor of their store room. Though their home is high in the hills of San Jorge and temperatures drop significantly at night, Polimena and Felipe have only two or three blankets between them.

Polimena and Felipe's single-room home.

They must also rely on the kindness of neighbors for water--sometimes they are able to borrow water from the neighbor's tap, but the rest of the time Polimena, who can't remember her age but is certainly too old for physical labor, must carry water from the communal tank in the center of town up the long, steep hill to their house. They do not have a water filter, so whether their water comes from the neighbors or the center of town, it is contaminated.

The open fire that they use to cook.

If you would like to help Polimena and Felipe, with a bed ($170 for double bed and mattress), a water filter ($50 for the filter and cartridges which will last up to 2 years), a fuel-efficient stove ($160), firewood, or, most basically, food, you can do so on the Donate Now page, by entering the amount of your donation in the 'Other' box, and "filter (or stove, bed, etc.) for A65" in the 'details' box. Thank you!

Alejandro Samines Saput

2011-03-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

Alejandro with his new blanket!

Update April 7th
Thanks so much to generous donations, Alejandro now has a nice thick blanket to ward off the cold mountain air at night. He also has his first month of pain medication paid for. Thank you!

Original Post
Alejandro Samines Saput is 89 years old and lives alone following the death of his wife two years ago. He lives in a one room, dirt, floor house owned by his daughter. Though Alejandro doesn't cook, the soot from the open fire he uses to heat his coffee each day has blackened the walls and ceiling of the house.

Alejandro can not work because he has trouble moving the right side of his body, and must always rely heavily on his cane to get around. Alejandro's health problems unfortunately do not end there--he can barely hear, and is plagued by painful cramps in his leg, which is badly scarred from a fall several years ago (he could not remember the exact date).

He is lucky to have a daughter that can provide some support, though it isn't much. She brings him a small amount of food weekly, which is all she can spare, as she is a widow who supports herself, her son, and her blind mother-in-law on the small salary she earns washing clothes in Panajachel. Alejandro's only guaranteed meal is the lunch that is provided by the Mayan Families facility in San Jorge. Despite all the hardship in his life, Alejandro still has a wonderful upbeat personality. When asked (via his grandson, who shouted into his ear in Kaqchiquel) if he needed a mattress for his bed, he grinned and laughed, and pantomimed falling backwards and being swallowed up by his bed. He doesn't like the sinking feeling of a soft mattress, so he's content with the grass mats on his bed, though he did admit, shyly, that he would like more blankets to ward off the mountain air at night.

A heavy wool blanket to keep Alejandro warmer at night can be bought for $20. We would also as like to provide him with pain medicine, which costs $8 per month.

Alejandro also does not have a water filter. A filter can be purchased for $50, which includes the filter and two filter cartridges that will provide him with clean water for between one and two years.

If you would like to provide Don Alejandro with some of these basic comforts, you can do so at Donate Now, by entering the amount of your donation in the "Other" box, and "A33" under "Details."

Alberta Quijeu needs a bed

2011-03-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

Alberta perched happily on her new bed

Update April 19
Thanks again to generous donors, Alberta now has a thick warm blanket to go with her new bed. These donations make such a vast improvement to the lives of people here. Thank you so much

Update April 7th
We are very happy to announce that thanks to generous donations from Mayan Families supporters, Alberta now has a bed with a wonderful mattress, a gift that will improve her quality of life considerably. Sleeping on the floor especially during rainy season often brings a lot of health problems to the many people who face this dilemma in Guatemala. Furthermore this generous sponsorship of Alberta included a donation for comfortable shoes (we are yet to have Alberta come to Panajachel to choose herself a new pair!), a supply of medication for the month of April 2011 and a fortified milk based drink to tide Alberta over between Mayan Families lunches.
Thank you!

Original Post
Alberta Quijeu is 70 years old. She lives with her grown son, who is an alcoholic. The one-room house they share has very little besides a bed, a few chairs, and a water filter. Unfortunately for Alberta, she is forced by her son to sleep on the ground with nothing but a reed mat for padding, while he sleeps in the bed. When her son is sober enough to work, he might bring home a bit food for the two of them. When he isn't--which is frequently--the lunch provided by Mayan Families is Alberta's only source of nourishment.

Walking is also a problem for Alberta because her feet are always sore. A nurse volunteering with Mayan Families gave her some acetaminophen, which she says helped significantly, but she does not have the money to keep buying the pills, so she must rely only on what is donated to Mayan Families.

The chairs, which she brought out for us,
cover the cement floor where she sleeps.

With your help Mayan Families would like to provide Alberta with a bed and mattress of her own, and a steady supply of painkillers for what is most likely arthritis in her feet. A single bed and mattress cost $75, and a month's supply of acetaminophen costs just $8. To help Alberta with either of these basic comforts, or to give her the gift of you can go to Donate Now (for one time donations) or Donate Monthly (to set up an automatic monthly payment), and enter A49 as the "Family Name". It will cost around $29 to provide her with a nutritious hot lunch everyday with Mayan Families. Thank you!

Marcela Sleeping on Floor

2011-03-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

Update April 19
Marcela now has a brand new thick blanket to ward off the cold night here. This, along with the bed and mattress will make such a big improvement to Marcela's health conditions. Thank you so much for making this happen!

Update April 7

Thanks to very generous donations, Marcela now has a brand new comfortable bed and mattress to sleep on. Marcela has had a terribly tough life and she was so grateful to receive this gift which will make a wonderful improvement to her current living conditions. She also has a donation to pay for her medication for the month of April 2011, as well as for a supply of incaparina, a milk based drink fortified with vitamins and minerals. We cannot express our gratitude on Marcela's behalf.

Original Post
Marcela Coh Samines is 87 years old. She lives alone in a house owned by her only surviving child. This little home consists of two small rooms--one a kitchen, and the other what passes for a bedroom. Sadly, this second room contains no bed. Instead, Marcela sleeps on a thin grass mat on the floor. Until we gave her two more blankets that had been donated, she had only two blankets to keep her warm and cushion her from the hard ground.

Though she suffers from asthma, she usually can't afford to buy the medication that she needs, which costs $23 per month, and she often suffers from a cough or wheezing. She has electricity, but she doesn't have water connected, so she must carry her water from the communal water source in the center of town.

The bare ground where Marcela sleeps.

Though her life is full of hardships, the one she most wants help with is hunger. The lunch she gets from Mayan Families is her only steady source of food, and breakfast and dinner are luxuries she often can't afford.

Marcela's life could be made a lot more comfortable with a few simple changes. A single bed and mattress to get her off of the floor would cost just $75. A contribution towards her asthma medicine would make the simple act of breathing easier. And a little bit of help, especially monthly help, to buy some staple foods would help make sure that she doesn't pass the entire time between lunches without eating. If you would like to make a contribution to help Marcela, you can do so at Donate Now. Enter your donation in the "Other" box, and enter "A36" in the details (The 'A' stands for 'anciano', or elderly person). Thank you!

Juana Ben Tuy

2011-02-08T10:30:00.000-08:00

**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.

Manuel Miguel and Maximiliana

2010-12-08T18:15:00.000-08:00

Manuel receiving his new mattress!

Update May 6th
Thanks so much to generous donations, Manuel got a brand new mattress for his bed. He is so grateful!!
Thank you to those who made this possible.

Update Feb 18th 2011--Manuel Needs a Mattress!

Manuel's bug-ridden mattress

* December 9, 2010 Update *

We have received $100 for Manuel's initial examinations and medications.

We're now awaiting some lab results to find out what the next steps should be and will be sure to keep you posted! Thank you so much for your support.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manuel on December 8th

Manuel just last week, receiving a donation of towels, soap, and a blanket. There is an obvious, dramatic difference between him then and now (see the first photo).

Miguel on November 9th, receiving some clothes donations, and very excited about it!

Josefa Quechi - Sponsored

2010-12-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

Feb 2011

Josefa receiving some of her donations

December 8, 2010 - Josefa Quechi is 83 years old and lives with her 56-year-old daughter and primary caretaker, Juacina. Josefa and her husband bought the house that she still lives in 35 years ago—5 years before her husband passed away. Since then Josefa and Juacina, who was never married, have been living together.

Josefa receiving diaper donations

Josefa broke her leg in Dec 2009 and has since then been confined to her bed and a bedside chair because she can no longer walk. Josefa has 6 children (3 sons and 3 daughters) and 13 grandchildren—She had 14 grandchildren but one passed away. All but one son live in the same town, Panajachel, but because Josefa’s children are struggling with their own families' needs, Josefa relies on her sponsorship, the lunches we bring her, and Juacina's care. Except for the occasional sale of homemade popsicles, Juacina hasn’t been working for 8 years because her mother eventually needed fulltime support and because good work is very hard to come by. Juacina and Josefa’s diets mainly consist of beans, onions, and tortillas (now in addition to Josefa’s daily Mayan Families lunch). Fortunately they do not have to pay rent, so Juacina’s main expenses are the electricity and food. Josefa has been using diapers since she became bedridden, and she takes two types of pain and anti-inflammatory medicines to help deal with her slow recovery.

Josefa and her daughter, Juacina, in the
bedroom that they share

Josefa is deeply religious, and one of her sons is a pastor. She was very enthusiastic when we had a pastor from Indiana visit our elderly clients (in November 2010). They prayed and cried together for a long time. Josefa tends to well up when she talks about faith and her condition, but she normally greets us with a wonderful smile and lots of energy, as well as hugs and kisses!

Thanks to wonderful support from donors, Josefa has enough support to cover the cost of her diapers and pain medicines. Whatever is leftover from the monthly donation Josefa receives (after the cost of Josefa's medical needs is deducted) is used to buy food for the family. This is a tremendous help for the family, and one that Josefa would suffer without. Josefa and Mayan Families send deepest thanks to her sponsors.
If you are coming to Guatemala and would like to bring something for Josefa, we know that she would love Spanish-language Christian gifts. Thank you so much!

Domingo needs to see a doctor

2010-12-02T10:50:00.000-08:00

Domingo Lopez Ahu is in his 80s, and his health has been deteriorating for some time. The last time he saw a doctor, at the public hospital in Sololá, doctors told him that he had only one functioning kidney, and that his prostate required surgery, but he was not strong enough to have the operation. They sent him home without medication. That was two years ago. Today, he is mostly bedridden, and he suffers from fainting spells if he gets up. He has had no medical treatment at all since, and suffers from pain without the help of any medication.

To help Domingo’s family take him to the doctor, go to Donate Now, and enter your donation in the "Other" box. Under "Description," write "FA72 medical." Thank you!

Another Successful Supplies Distribution!

2010-11-29T19:57:00.000-08:00

Lencha Bocel and her great granddaughter

November 25, 2010 - We just had another successful distribution of supplies to our members and their families. This time we included shoes, soap, skin moisturizers (especially important for the bedridden), sheets, towels, and more blankets and sweaters.

The supplies that we distribute are based on the needs that we observe. Through our daily visits of our elderly members, we are also able to check up on and help their families.

For example, through our lunch runs we found out that Jose David, the handicapped grandson of Fransisca Chuiqirin, wasn't getting any assistance. Now, with the help of Mayan Families, he is getting physical therapy twice a week. Also, when we found out that elderly member Maria Sequec's grandchildren didn't have shoes or enough clothes, we got them all some.

For more photos of the event, click here!

Maria Sequec's family receiving clothing, shoes, and blankets.

Maria Germana and Her Son, Victor

2010-11-22T16:43:00.000-08:00

Maria locking up her house. Clothes that her
daughter, Maria, washed are hanging outside.

Maria Germana is a 77-year-old mother of 7 (5 sons and 2 daughters). Maria is very friendly and affectionate--without exception greeting Mayan Families staff with hugs and kisses, and occasionally inviting us to some fresh lemonade as well! Since being widowed, she has lived with one son, as well as his wife and three children, in a small, partitioned house. In the other partition live Maria's daughter, Marta, and 3 grandchildren

The quarters are cramped, but the family is glad to be staying together in this government-subsidized housing. Maria spends most of her time at home, helping her daughter Marta with the housework and enjoying the company of her grandchildren, but she also goes out everyday.

Victor and Maria; (Maria had just been crying after they recounted
to us Victor's story).

One place that Maria goes to everyday is the home of Victor Hernandez, one of her sons. Victor, now 49, was blinded in a workplace accident when he was 24. It was a tragedy that touches them deeply to this day. Before the accident he was a great athlete and very social and popular. Unfortunately, since the accident Victor has not been able to live a normal life--He was never married and hardly ever finds work. Victor now relies on support from his mother, other family members, and friends. Victor's condition is a source of great sadness for Maria; Victor himself moves in and out of depression. Blindness and poverty in combination are especially trying on the spirit.

Victor is the youngest person in our "Elderly" Care Program. Although he doesn't quite fall into the target age group, we bring lunch, too, because otherwise he would go without.

Another place that Maria often goes to (once a week) is the public health clinic so that she can get her blood pressure measured. Maria has high blood pressure, and although she attempts to take good care of herself, she often goes without the heart medicine she needs because her family cannot afford it. During the dangerous periods that Maria goes without blood pressure medication, Maria--who is usually all smiles--feels sick and weak.

There are a few things that would greatly lighten the lives of Maria and Victor:

- Monthly sponsorship for Maria's blood pressure medicine (just $6.25 a month!)

- A new bed and mattress for Maria ($170); She has a very old and uncomfortable bed (especially unsuitable for an elderly person), and--although our members rarely complain or ask for anything--she has said that it pains her, especially given her worsening arthritis. In the photo on the right is Maria's bed. The metal frame, which does not fit the old spring mattress, can be felt as Maria tries to sleep (in a room shared by 6 people).

- A new bed and mattress for Victor ($170). His bed--almost the only thing he owns--is also very old and uncomfortable.

- Literature in Spanish brail for Victor, or any other special resources for blind people. Victor has very little property--Anything would be welcome. In such poverty and without being able to see, Victor has so little to do, and that is a major reason for his fits of depression.

To make a monthly donation to help Maria with her blood pressure medication, please click here and enter "Elderly Care, Maria Germana medicine" in the Other Program section. To make a one-time gift donation to Maria Germana or Victor Hernandez, please click here and enter "Elderly Care, Maria Germana [details]" or "Elderly Care, Victor Hernandez [details]" in the Other section. (Please make sure to include their last names.) Thank you so much!

Maria next to her bed and in her bedroom, which she shares
with 5 other people (her son and his wife and 3 children)

Esther

2010-11-19T13:17:00.000-08:00

Update March 14th 2011
Esther passed away on Sunday 13th March. We would like to thank her sponsor for making sure her final months were far more pleasant and allowed her to be far more cared for than she could have been without the support provided. We are so grateful that thanks to her sponsor she was able to eat everyday, received medicine and medical care as needed and was able to pass away in as much comfort as possible. May she rest in peace

Update Feb 2011

Yesterday, along with her normal lunch, we gave Esther some vitamins and some more medication and checked in on her. She still has a lot of pain in her mouth, but at least she is receiving appropriate care and medication and the family who is now providing for her are looking after her attentively and we always see her in a comfortable looking sofa, rather than just her wheelchair, like in the other house she was living in.

Update Jan 2011

Thanks to generous donations from a sponsor Esther has been able to have another Dr consult and has a new supply of medication. She is now living with her son and his family and they are taking great care of her.

*November 22, 2010 Update*

Ester had a great doctor's visit! She and the family are very excited to start her new medicines and exercises. We'll let you know how it goes! Also, we just got a tamale basket donation for Esther for the holidays! We're looking forward to bringing it to her and will be sure to post photos!

Esther and her daughter, Dora, at the Rancho
Grande Clinic before their appointment

Dr. Escobar, one of our most trusted doctors, examined Esther and gave her a prescription for a different pain medicine (not surprisingly, he said that the pain medicines that Esther had been taking were not good). Dr. Escobar also taught Esther and her family exercises that Esther can do to improve her general health and perhaps lift her spirits (exercises included sorting good beans from the bad with the kids--for dinner and hand exercise!). Aside from addressing her terrible pain, Dr. Escobar emphasized that Esther must be active. Both Esther and her daughter Dora were very excited about the visit, and Dora explained to the rest of the family all the exercises that Esther should be doing. We're hoping that the grandkids will help and that it can be made into a fun family activity! Esther's new pain medicine, Topamax (generic: Topiramato), costs $27.19 for a month supply (she is meant to take 25mg every night). This medicine is especially made to address neuropathy problems. Dr. Escobar wants to see Esther in a month, though, to make sure that the medicine is adequate, and so we are hoping to have the funds to take her back for this followup appointment around the 24th of December.

Thank you so much for your support. That alone has brought Esther and her family a lot of joy and hope. We are hoping for the best and will keep you posted on progress!

Esther with the cough medicine that Dr. Escobar also prescribed her. She has had a chronic cough. In addition to prescribing the cough medicine, Dr. Escobar taught Esther various exercises that she should do to increase circulation, improve lung and general health, and thus avoid such problems.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*November 20, 2010 Update*

We just got a donation to get Esther quality medical attention. Thank you so much for your support.

Tomorrow morning we will be taking Esther to a private clinic for a thorough exam with one of our most trusted doctors. We are keeping our fingers crossed for better treatment for Esther's severe pain problems. We'll keep you posted on the results. Again, thank you!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meet Esther

November 17, 2010 - It has been just over two weeks since we added Esther Velasquez Mota to our Elderly Care Program. Esther is a 78-year-old woman and was referred to us by community members who said she really needed help. She is a widow and lives with her daughter, grandson, and the grandson's wife and kids.

About one year ago, Esther fell, dislocated her hip, and fractured her leg and pelvis in three places. Since then she has been bound to her wheelchair and using diapers.

When we met her, Esther was crying in pain. Her family says that about 15 years ago Ester had a botched dental operation (a tooth removal) that damaged her nerves and left her with chronic pain. The poor woman is almost always in pain. When we arrived at her house the first time, the pain was so intense that she begged us for help. Ester takes pain medicine, but it is insufficient. The family cannot afford to get specialized medical attention for Esther to see if something better can be done about her pain. Please help us get her a proper check up in a private clinic to see if we can do something to alleviate her suffering. It would cost just $75 and could change her world tremendously. To make a donation, click here and enter "Elderly Care, Esther" in the Other section.

Esther with her granddaughter-in-law and
great-grandchildren. When we took these photos, Esther
was suffering a bad fit of pain.

Esther with her great grandson. On the day this
photo was taken, Esther's pain was more mild,
and so she got to better enjoy the company of
the children.

Distribution of Clothing Donations

2010-11-10T10:50:00.000-08:00

One of our newest members, Manuel Parajon,
with his new t-shirts and socks--Very excited!

November 9, 2010 - Today we distributed clothing donations to our male ancianos! They were all very happy to receive some much needed shirts, sweaters, vests, underwear, and socks. Click here for more photos. Thank you all for your support!

Victor Archila with his new t-shirts, long
sleeve tees, and underwear. He also got a
warm comforter.

Victor Broke His Leg! ... And His Bed

2010-11-09T09:14:00.000-08:00

Update 11th Feb 2011

Receiving pain medication and vitamins

Victor is always happy and cheery when we deliver his lunch, and never at home. He likes to sit out and watch the world go by. He still walks with a walking stick, but he is doing quite well, and only sometimes is in pain from his injuries. Yesterday we gave him more vitamins and pain medication and he was so grateful.

*November 15, 2010 Update*

Victor got his new bed and mattress! It was a surprise, and he was so thrilled! Victor sends warm thanks to his sponsor.

For more photos, click here! Thank you so much for your support! This is such a great comfort for Victor.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*November 9, 2010 Update*

We have gotten a donation to buy Victor a bed and mattress!

We'll be giving him this gift on Friday--He'll be thrilled (he was so thrilled just to get clothing donations)! Thank you so much for your support. We will be looking for other ways to improve Victor's living circumstances--The photos below can give you an idea of why. Stay tuned on how you can help.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Victor slowly walking towards the entrance
to his home (left). He has been supporting
himself with crutches.

November 1, 2010 - Poor Victor (for his full profile, check the bottom of this post) has broken his leg. He just lost his footing on the way to his home and fell the wrong way. He's gotten a cast and crutches and is receiving medical care, but his circumstances at home, which were difficult before, are now almost unbearable. His bed, made of wooden planks and straw--hard, lumpy, and uncomfortable to begin with--now has a big hole in the middle of it. You can see his room and bed in the photos below. 81-year-old Victor was in very good general health before all of this happened, but having a broken leg and trying to sleep on such a terrible bed is very trying on him. He hasn't asked us for a new bed (our elderly clients rarely ask for anything), but he has been requesting more and more pain medicine.

A close-up of Victor's bed. It is made of straw and wooden
planks. Lumpy and hard to begin with, the bed now has a
hole that makes it unhealthy and extremely uncomfortable.

Please help us get a new bed and mattress ($170) for Victor. It would greatly relieve his suffering and help his recovery. To make a donation, please click here and enter "Elderly Care, Victor's bed" in the Other section. Thank you!

A view of Victor's bed and about half of his room. The floor
is dirt; there is no kitchen; and there are very large (one foot)
gaps in the walls, easily letting in wind and rain.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meet Victor Archila

Victor is 81 years old, but he doesn’t know his birthday. His wife passed away years ago, leaving him completely alone since they did not have children. He lives by himself in a small one room home made from wooden planks.

Victor has a first grade education. He does his best to support himself working as a day laborer despite chronic leg pain, and he is able to earn about $6 on days he can find work. Unfortunately, he can usually only find work about once a week, and $6 a week is not enough to keep him fed, clothed, and healthy. A sponsorship or donations to help him pay for food, vitamins, pain medicine, clothing, and shoes could make all the difference for Victor.

Fransisca Chiquirin

2010-11-07T10:39:00.000-08:00

Update December 17 2010

Francisca in her new room!

Thanks to very generous donations Francisca now has her own room and a brand new bed! This has not only provided more space for the rest of the family who have been a family of 9 crammed into one small room, but allows Francisca healthier living conditions. As mentioned below Francisca was previously sleeping on the floor without a mattress, crammed in behind the door, and doing so with a broken leg. This new bed and room are making a world of difference to Francisca's quality of life.
Thank you to everyone who provided this wonderful and vital assistance.

*December 9, 2010 Update*

Fransisca has received her first package of incaparina. Also, she will be moving into her new room on the week of the 13th-- She and the family are very excited and send out many thanks to her sponsor!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

*November 28, 2010 Update*

Fransisca just got a donation for 12 months´rent for the room next door, 12 months of pain medicine, 5 months of incaparina (a fortified starch food), and a tamale basket for the holidays! Wow! Thank you so much to her generous donors! We will be sure to keep you updated and show you photos when she happily receives all of these wonderful gifts!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

*November 26, 2010 Update*

Fransisca receiving vitamin supplement
donations. These have been critical to her
recovery (since she broke her leg). When she
returned from the hospital, we gave Fransisca
a can of Ensure, a powdered and enriched meal
substitute. Because we cannot pay for the
Ensure ($11 for a medium-sized can, $22 for
a large can), we have begun to just give
Fransisca multivitamin pills.

We have been delighted to see Fransisca sleeping like a baby since she got her new bed donation! Unfortunately, though, Fransisca still very much needs monthly sponsorship to help pay for her food and medicine. She needs diapers and medication for the intense pain in her legs and hands, as well as for gastritis and malnutrition. She also needs incaparina, a fortified starch food that is one of the few things that she can stomach. Fransisca's pain medicines cost $16.50 a month, and her incaparina costs $5 for a one-week supply.

If possible, we would also like to rent for Fransisca the room next door. As it is now, she is sharing a small, cinderblock room with seven other family members, including her handicapped grandson, Jose David. There is so little space in the room that the family has to crawl over beds to get to the kids' area (see photos at the bottom of the blog post). Renting this room would cost just $16 a month and would allow Fransisca to get more proper rest and cleaner air.

The small room that is available for rent for Q125 (~$16). Now that there is a new bed in the Chiquirin's one bedroom home, the space (which is currently sleeping 8 people, including two handicapped persons) is especially cramped and stuffy. Renting out this room next door would be a big relief.

Up front: the room for rent. Behind it is the one bedroom home that the Chiquirin family is already renting. The extra space that this room would provide would essentially be an extension of their current small home.

To make a monthly contribution towards Fransisca's needs, please click here and enter "Elderly Care, Fransisca" in the Other Program section. To make a one-time donation for Fransisca, please click here and enter "Elderly Care, Fransisca" in the Other section. Thank you so much!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*November 12, 2010 Update*

We just got a donation for a new bed for Fransisca!

Thank you so much for your support. Fransisca already has her bed, a luxury compared to what she had to deal with before. Because the Chiquirin family's room was too small to hold the bed, our carpenter, Carlos, cut it a bit shorter, and now it fits perfectly.

Fransisca on her new bed-- Comfy!

From left: Fransisca (sleeping soundly), her great-granddaughter, and her grandson, Jose David, who is physically handicapped and looking for sponsorship so that he can continue his physical therapy sessions

For more photos, click here. Again, thank you so much for your support.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*November 11, 2010 Update*

Fransisca is back home, but immobile and desperately needs a bed.

Given the serious risk that would be involved (given Fransisca's age and weak condition), she and her family have decided not to undergo an operation to correct the fractures in her leg. She is on pain medicine and nutritional supplements that Mayan Families have provided. Fransisca will have to keep on the cast and stay in 'bed' for two months.

Staff at Mayan Families thought that Fransisca shared a bed with the rest of her family (there are 8 sharing the bedroom), but we discovered today that she sleeps on the floor.

This is Fransisca's sleeping space, behind the
door. She sleeps on top of an old blanket on
the floor.

Fransisca with her great-granddaughter, who also shares
the room with Fransisca. With 8 people sharing the small
bedroom, it is very cramped and stuffy.

The sleeping situation is terrible, especially now that Fransisca is confined to the space and cannot move. It is not just uncomfortable--It is dangerous. The doctors told us that in her condition Fransisca is liable to get sores on her back even on a normal bed. These sores can lead to infection that among the elderly here too often lead to death. Please help us get a bed for Fransisca. It would make a world of difference. We can (after removing some items from the room) fit a small bed in the room, and this would cost just $75. To make a donation, please click here and enter "Elderly Care, Fransisca's bed" in the Other section.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* November 9, 2010 Update: Fransisca broke her leg and is being treated at the hospital in Solola.*

Paramedics rushed her to the hospital. Because of the road
damages, we had to take a paramedic boat to San Gorje and
and then over to Solola.

Fransisca was in a lot of pain, but they are giving her injections for that. She also got a cast put on her leg. The doctor said that Fransisca needs to stay at the hospital for at least a couple of days because she is in bad condition. He also said that Fransisca needs an operation on her leg. We are going to take her to a private clinic for a second opinion on the matter once she is in a condition to leave to hospital. We'll keep you posted.

Fransisca and Ventura, her daughter-in-law and primary caretaker, on the
ride to San Gorje. The paramedics escorted us on a private boat.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meet Fransisca Chiquirin

receiving adult diaper donations

Francisca is an affectionate 90-year-old woman with (as you can see) a wide, warm smile. She can’t hear, so she communicates with her daughter-in-law Ventura, who is her primary caretaker, through sign language. Fransisca’s son Oseas, Ventura, three of their five children, two of their grandchildren, and Fransisca (for eight people total) share a small, damp room that holds only two beds and a tiny window. Oseas works as a construction worker as often as he can, but the demand for construction is severely affected by storms, and he often goes long periods of time without work due to the rain. After tropical storm Agatha, Oseas could not get work for 5 months, leaving the family to subsist on the few quetzals that Ventura earned by selling tortillas.

Jose David, Ventura, Oseas, and a granddaughter

One of the eight family members living in this small room is Jose David, Oseas and Ventura’s 13-year-old son. Jose David is severely disabled. He cannot walk and never went to school. But he is always smiling, making jokes, and delighting his parents. In these cramped quarters it is easy to see that this is a very loving family.

receiving gastritis medicine

Both Francisca and Jose David must use diapers, which can cost up to $2.50 a day—a heavy burden on a family with such unsteady income. Fransisca needs medication for the intense pain in her legs and hands, as well as for gastritis and malnutrition. She also needs incaparina, a fortified starch food that is one of the few things that she can stomach. Oseas uses every spare cent to buy the medicines and incaparina when he can, but very often Fransisca must go without. Your support can ensure that Fransisca has a consistent supply of the medicines and food that she desperately needs. Your support would also help relieve the Chiquirin family of the burdensome necessity to buy diapers, allowing them to use their resources to feed and provide for the education of their children and grandchildren.

To make a one-time donation for Fransisca, please click here and enter "Elderly Care, Fransisca" in the Other section. To make a monthly contribution towards Fransisca's needs, please click here and enter "Elderly Care, Fransisca" in the Other Program section. Thank you so much!

Pedro Gets His New Home!

2010-11-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

Pedro on his new chair in his new room

Thanks to the help of so many people, Pedro moved into his new and fully furnished home this week. It was a huge surprise for Pedro--At first he didn't even believe it! And when Pedro understood that this really was all for him, his reaction was enough to bring the entire room to tears (3 Mayan Families staff members and volunteers were present, along with almost a dozen neighbors). Pedro was overwhelmed and more lit up than we've ever seen him. He thanked everyone effusively, laughed, cried, and prayed.

Surprise! Breaking the news to Pedro
From left: Pedro's new landlord, Pedro, Ronnie
(an Elderly Care Program volunteer)

Pedro's initial reactions

You already know what kind of a place Pedro had been living in--Almost anything would have been an improvement. But with your donations we got enough for a lovely home. Pedro now has a comfortable bed, blankets, pillow, table, chair, armoire, water filter, and a safe, warm place to live near the people he knows. As Mayan Families' director Sharon said, it is only a simple room, but to Pedro it is a palace.

Ronnie showing Pedro his new armoire

Pedro trying out his new bed

We want to express deepest thanks to everyone who has helped to make such an incredible difference in Pedro's life. It's is a beautiful example of the great things we can do--of how much we can better the world--when we combine our efforts.

Pedro took some time to pray,
thanking God for these gifts

Pedro and volunteer Ronnie

Click here for more photos of the event (we have a bunch).

We are still looking for sponsors and some urgent one-time gifts for our neediest members, whose stories are up on the blog. Please help us to create other success stories like Pedro's.

Again, on behalf of Pedro, thank you all so very much.

Ssshhh Don't Tell Pedro!

2010-10-26T09:11:00.000-07:00

Pedro's new room from the outside

Tuesday, October 26, 2010 -- Hi all. It's Ronnie, a volunteer with Mayan Families, and I have great news about our progress with Pedro's housing. We have thus far received over three months' rent for Pedro's new room and pledges for at least ten more months, for a total of over a year's worth of rent! We've also gotten the money to buy Pedro a new bed, mattress, water filter (no more parasites!), blankets, pillow, table, chairs, and perhaps a dresser--a fully furnished room!

I just came back from looking at the room that we'll be renting for Pedro, and it's lovely. There is light, an electrical outlet, a window, a solid door, a cement floor and cinder block walls that actually keep out the wind and rain, and access to a clean (and almost private) bathroom and shower--not to mention a bit of color and sunshine! Coming from his old place, I think (director) Sharon put it right when she said that Pedro will likely feel like he just won the lottery. What's more: The new place is right by the shed that he currently lives in, and so Pedro will get to stay close to the kind neighbors who have been looking out for him (helping him take his medicine, giving him extra food when they can afford it, washing his clothes, etc).

Pedro's new room from the inside

Tomorrow we'll be buying the furniture and setting up, and on the 1st of November we'll be moving Pedro into the new place--And it's all a surprise! (We didn't want to promise Pedro anything until we were absolutely sure we could offer it, and since there are now just a few days left until move-in is allowed, we thought it'd be nice to wait a bit longer so as to present the room in ready condition.) Along with the Mayan Families staff members who have been helping with this project, I cannot wait for the big day and to share it all with you.

Today during the lunch run I asked Pedro if he needed anything. I was referring to medicine refills, but I wasn't very clear and so Pedro misunderstood. He told me that, if I could find one, a piece of furniture to put his clothes in would be really nice--Pedro currently keeps his clothes in cardboard boxes on top of his bed, which is very small to begin with. One of his neighbors, a bubbly woman, jokingly asked if the dresser was really for a lady (75-year-old Pedro has never been married). Pedro nodded and then laughed and laughed with the rest of us. I told him that tomorrow I'd look for a dresser.

Pedro's room and bathroom. Right next to the bathroom
is a sink and clean shower that Pedro will have access to.

View of the back corner of the room. It extends
over 5 feet beyond where the window (on the
left) ends.

While huge strides have already been made, we can still use your help in securing Pedro's rent, which is $65 a month. To make a one-time donation towards Pedro's rent, please click here and enter "Elderly Care, Pedro" in the Other section. To make a monthly donation towards his rent, please click here and enter "Elderly Care, Pedro" in the Other Program section. Thank you!

http://projectmicromundo.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/img_13562.jpg

Help Fransisco See

2010-10-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

*November 18, 2010 Update*

Fransisco has his glasses, and he loves them! He says that before having them he couldn't leave his home on his own because he could see so little, but now with his glasses he can go out and function much more independently. Fransisco has thanked us at Mayan Families and asked us to send deepest thanks to his sponsor. This has made a huge difference for him.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*November 7, 2010 Update*

We have received a donation to help Fransisco's family buy him glasses! Thank you so much for your support. We are currently working out with the family how to go about making the purchase, and we'll of course keep you posted--photos to come soon! Again, thank you so much.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fransisco Sahón is 81 years old and has been living alone since last year, when his wife of over 50 years passed away. They had four children: three daughters and one son, but their son died in adulthood. Fransisco is near blind: he can only see from one eye, but the vision in that eye is very poor. The reason Fransisco cannot see from his left eye is because a failed operation ruined it. After this operation, Fransisco was supposed to go to the optometrist every three months. However, until we took Fransisco for a checkup last week, he hadn’t seen a doctor for four years because his daughters, who are struggling to feed their children and dependent father, hadn’t been able to take off time from their work to accompany him to Sololá, the neighboring town where Fransisco’s doctor is located (Fransisco cannot go there on his own because of his disability).

Fransisco was so excited to finally be able to go see an optometrist with the help of Mayan Families staff, especially because his vision has been deteriorating, making him worried that soon he’ll go completely blind. And at the doctor’s we received great news: Fransisco does not need an operation! Moreover, his vision could be very significantly improved with special glasses. It was very relieving to hear this, but unfortunately Fransisco’s daughters cannot pool together enough money to buy Fransisco the 600 quetzales ($75) glasses. Together they are able to scrape together half of the cost, but they are asking for help to cover the other half ($37.50).

Please help Fransisco get his glasses. Improving his ability to see will make living alone so much easier for him. To make a gift, please click here and enter “Elderly Care, Glasses for Fransisco Sahon” in the Other box.

Help Pedro Find a Home

2010-10-18T14:18:00.000-07:00

Pedro receiving hygiene product donations
in his neighbor's yard, where he also picks up
the daily lunch we bring him. Pedro spends
most of his day sitting on the curb or waiting
in his neighbor's yard because he does not
want to stay in his cramped, uncomfortable
room.

We have already introduced Pedro Hulahu, one of our dearest Elderly Care Program members. As explained, Pedro is a sweet, soft-spoken 75-year-old man. He lives alone in the corner of a rundown shed, a cramped and miserable place surrounded by piles of garbage and recycling, some as tall as 8 feet. The ground about the shed is littered with broken glass and plastic, and the actual area that Pedro has is tiny; there are fewer than 3 square feet of free space.

Entrance to Pedro's home

Photo of Pedro's tiny room from the
entrance. There are fewer than 3 square
feet of free space, and the bed, which has
no mattress, is less than 4 ft long.

This space isn’t remotely resistant to the elements: when there is rain, his home floods; when there is wind outside, there is wind inside. At night, despite his clothing and blankets, Pedro is cold. He has no nearby access to a bathroom or drinking water. It's a very sad situation, and dangerous for a man of his age, so we have been trying to find ways to get him out of there.

Just this week, we got a terrific offer. Mayan Families’ managers Gloria and Julio reached a couple of Pedro’s especially helpful neighbors (who had been out of town) and learned that a rentable room in their home is about to be vacated. We can rent this room for Pedro, equipped with light and access to a bathroom, for $65 a month. Aside from the relative affordability of this offer (even relative to local prices), it’s a great opportunity because Pedro would be living with the few caring, familiar faces and helping hands that he knows.

Pedro sitting on his bed

If we could each give a little, it would make a world of difference for Pedro. A monthly or one-time donation of any amount would be so appreciated. To make such a monthly donation, please click here and enter “Elderly Care, Pedro” next to Other Program. To make a one-time donation, please click here and enter “Elderly Care, Pedro” in the other box.

Thank you so much!

Juliana Tun Xicajay

2010-10-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

*November 28, 2010 Update*

Juliana just got donations for a mattress, a water filter, 8 months of food support, and a tamale basket!!! Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. We´ll be sure to keep you updated and show you photos when she receives all of these gifts--What joy for the holidays!

Juliana receiving her new mattress on December 9th

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meet Juliana

Juliana is 78 years old and has been living alone since her husband died 11 years ago. They suffered the tragic loss of ten of their eleven sons. Eight of their sons died when they were children, and two died in their adulthood. Juliana lives in Santa Maria, a town near Solola, and comes to Panajachel to work selling clothes and tablecloths. Business has been terrible; normally she sells nothing at all and needs to beg for the busfare to get back home. The only thing that she has to eat is the lunch and occasional bag of grain that we bring her, and edible herbs that she can find on the ground.

Juliana with some of the items she tries to sell

Juliana desperately needs more food. Her only son Mariano, who makes skirts, struggles to feed his own children because he only makes $35 per week on the rare occasions that he finds work. He usually cannot help her. Juliana suffers pain in her joints and fatigue, and she needs dental care. She is a sweet woman and speaks very little Spanish, so we communicate with her in Kaqchiquel. Your sponsorship would lift Juliana from the brink of starvation and would help her get the medical care that she needs. As a one-time gift option, a food basket ($35) for Juliana would also be a great help, as would be a single mattress ($30) or a water filter ($50). To make a one time donation for Juliana, please click here and enter "Elderly Care, Juliana [details]" in the Other section. To sponsor Juliana with a monthly donation (that would go towards food and any other urgent need), please click here and enter "Elderly Care, Juliana" in the Other Program section.

We recently visited Juliana in her remote home in Santa Maria. By car, it took us almost an hour to get there! This is the trip that Juliana makes twice daily by a combination of bus, pickup truck, and boat. For more photos of Juliana's home and family, click here.

Juliana's bed. She has no mattress; Juliana sleeps on a broken
straw mat.

Juliana in front of her house in Santa Maria

Juliana in her kitchen. She used to sleep here, too,
until the rain that came through the broken roof
and cracked walls became unbearable. Now
Juliana sleeps in a room in her son's home.

Juliana in a garden near her house

Pedro Hulahu - Sponsored

2010-09-27T14:14:00.000-07:00

* October 2010 Update *

Pedro has found sponsorship for his wonderful new home! Pedro and Mayan Families send out deepest thanks to all of his supporters.

For more of this truly heartwarming story, click here.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pedro Hulahu is a very sweet, gentle 75-year-old man. He never married and has no children, and has been completely alone since his brother died several years ago. He used to scrape by with odd jobs (carrying bundles and cleaning), but due to diminished health (severe leg pain after a fall, an eye problem for which we just sought treatment, stomach ailments, and general aging), Pedro has had a lot of trouble finding work. A local family gives him a place to sleep in the corner of a small shed, but for food Pedro must rely on the daily lunch provided by Mayan Families, the few tortillas that he can sometimes afford, and the kindness of neighbors.

Pedro is always happy to see us when we come to visit, and although he cannot hear very well and does not speak much Spanish (his primary language is Kaqhiquel), he always manages to communicate kind words, thanks, and affection. Your support would ensure that Pedro no longer goes hungry, allow for him to seek more comprehensive medical care and pain relief, and perhaps more simply put some light in Pedro’s life by letting him know that he is not alone.

After His Stroke, Tereso Needs Medicine

2010-09-26T14:15:00.000-07:00

*Feb 2011*

Tereso still suffers from dizziness and headaches, but he is doing quite well. We gave him his medication and vitamins yesterday and he was very grateful. Thank you so much to the donor who is providing Tereso with this important medication to help with his blood pressure!!

* December 3, 2010 Update *

We have received a donation for four months of Tereso's medications! Thank you so much for your support. To make an additional contribution towards Tereso's medicine needs, which cost $25/month, please click here and enter "Elderly Care, Tereso medicine" in the Other box.

Tereso's doctor also recommended that Tereso begin physical therapy sessions in order to recover use of the body parts he lost partial access to after his stroke. Each physical therapy session for Tereso would cost just $5, including transportation. We would love to get him started--One or two sessions a week would be ideal. To make a monthly contribution towards Tereso's physical therapy needs, please click here and enter "Elderly Care, Tereso physical therapy" in the Other Program section. From Tereso and Mayan Families, thank you so much!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* November 26, 2010 Update *

Tereso is about to run out of the new medication that has helped him so much.

Tereso is looking better than ever now that he
is on medication! Unfortunately, however, it is
going to run out this week, and so his
convulsions and dizzy spells will likely return.

Tereso has had recently enjoyed huge improvments to his life--a comfortable new bed, and a visit to a good doctor who prescribed him medicine that has helped him tremendously. As you can see in the photo, Tereso looks like a new man! He is stronger and happier with his new medicines, and his symptoms are finally under control.

But in less than a week Tereso will run out of the medicine that has made such a great difference for him. Unfortunately we do not have the funds to buy Tereso these anticonvulsion, pro-circulation, and pain medicines that he relies on--They cost $25 a month.

Without his medicine, Tereso suffers from convulsions, dizzy spells, and severe headaches. Often the symptoms are so bad that Tereso cannot walk or even get off his chair, and sometimes the dizzy spells are so intense that he just falls off of his chair from seated position. His inability to function normally when he is off of medicination also distresses Tereso emotionally.

Please help us prevent Tereso from going back to an unhealthy, painful state. To support Tereso's medical needs with a monthly donation, please click here and enter "Elderly Care, Tereso" under Other Program. Any amount donation would be a great help. To make a one-time donation towards Tereso's medical needs, please click here and enter "Elderly Care, Tereso" in the Other section. Thank you so much.

Tereso receiving some sock donations, and laughing as he struggles to untangle them!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*November 12, 2010 Update*

We just delivered Tereso's new bed and mattress! He is so happy and grateful.

This is such a great comfort for Tereso. He and Mayan Families send out their deepest thanks to his supporters.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*October 28, 2010 Update*

We have gotten a donation to buy Tereso a bed and mattress, as well as 2 blankets and 2 months of his medications!

Tereso had such a wide smile when he heard the news! We'll be delivering the bed, mattress, and blankets on Friday, November 12th. Thank you so very much for your support. We'll be sure to take photos on the big day.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meet Tereso Cojon

Tereso Cojón will be 73 on October 15^th. He has four grown children and 19 grandchildren. Recently, after it became evident that Tereso was too feeble to live independently in the (empty, bare, and waterless) cinderblock home that he owned, Tereso moved to live in a house with several of his children and grandchildren. Though his children help him as much as they can, they are all struggling to feed their own families, so their support is limited to hosting him and sometimes bringing him a little bit to eat.

Tereso never went to school, so he cannot read or write, and he speaks very little Spanish (he speaks Kakchiquel). A stroke four years ago left him without much use of his left arm and knee and suffering from “bad nerves,” making it very difficult for him to work and provide for himself.

Receiving a warm lunch from
Mayan Families

Since the stroke, Tereso tried repeatedly to seek medical treatment for his conditions, which include knee pain and arthritis, chronic headaches, shaking, and dangerous dizzy spells. For years, he suffered visibly--from the physical pain and, even worse, from the sorrow he felt in being unable to function normally because of his dizziness and convulsions. However, doctors at the local clinic constantly turned him away, saying that they cannot help these symptoms of aging.

Tereso was so grateful when Mayan Families staff took him to see a private doctor last Saturday (10/16) and Tuesday (10/19). The doctor prescribed for him the anti-convulsion and pain medicines and he suffered so terribly without, and Tereso has been doing remarkably better with the medicine. (*For details on his medication, see the bottom of this post.) Every day since he started taking his medicines, Tereso has been greeting us with a wide smile and repeated thanks. It has brought us a great amount of joy to see the change in him.

We have bought Tereso approximately a month's supply of medicine for $15, but we are going to need help once the month's medicine runs out. Unfortunately, without our help (since he cannot work, and since his family cannot sufficiently support him), Tereso will not be able to afford the medicine that he badly needs. Your support would make a wonderful impact on Tereso's quality of life by helping to afford him the medicine that he suffers so badly without. To sponsor Tereso with a monthly donation, please click here and enter "Elderly Care, Tereso" under Other Program.

Tereso by his current bed, covered by
a blanket donated by Mayan Families

Tereso currently has a low bed with a very old, uncomfortable spring mattress unsuitable for a person of his age and condition. Because of his bad knees and dizzy spells, it is difficult and dangerous for Tereso to get in and out of this low bed. A wonderful one-time gift for him would be a single bed and mattress, which costs $170. To give Tereso the gift of a new bed, please click here and enter "Elderly Care, Tereso's bed" in the Other box. Thank you so much!

* Tereso has been prescribed 80mg daily of Ginbilam (Ginkgo Biloba) and Meloxican for pain.

Rosa Rafaela - Sponsored

2010-09-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

Rosa is so happy to have a sponsor! Thank you for making such a huge difference in her life.

Rosa Rafaela was widowed 30 years ago, and now lives with her daughter, Rebeca, and her 10-year-old granddaughter, who is one of our sponsored students. Rosa is a sweet, youthful woman, and lucky to live with her loving family, but Rebeca can hardly afford to feed herself and her daughter, and she cannot support her mother. Rosa’s other daughter, Sara, is also unable to help: she lost her home during hurricane Stan (2005), and now struggles to feed herself and her 20-year-old special needs daughter.

To support herself, Rosa Rafaela sells tacos, bread with beans, and tostados every morning at the schools around Panajachel. She earns about $8 a week, which is not enough to pay for food, clothing, and shoes.

Rosa and Rebeca's former home

Until just about a year ago, Rosa and her family faced a housing crisis. Rebeca had been paying rent for their residence, but became ill and could no longer work. When the rent was four months overdue, the family was evicted and left with nowhere to go. The stress left Rebeca, who already had ulcers, trembling with nerves for days. Mayan Families put them up in a room until they could get back on their feet and pay rent.

Christmas '09, with a
beautiful gift package

We are very happy to soon be marking the one year anniversary of their new residence, where they have not had trouble with the landlord or making payments. Still, rent here runs very high--about $80 a month--and so the food and medical attention that Rosa is being afforded through sponsorship is critical and tremendously helpful.

In the third week of September we took Rosa to the doctor because of some eye and skin conditions that needed attention. Those issues are being attended to, and the doctor said that Rosa has the blood pressure of a quinceañera (fifteen-year-old)! We were all quite delighted to hear it, but not surprised!