Medical Help for Our Elderly!

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

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

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

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 

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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

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!

Update: Maximiliana had a stroke

January 30, 2013: Maximiliana is now sponsored for both the Feeding Program, AND her insulin costs! Thank you so much to her sponsors. 



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.

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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

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.

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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!



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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!

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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.