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
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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!
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. 
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.
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.