Medical Consults for Kids with Cancer El Salvador

48% of the cases treated in the program are leukemias, whose treatment can last up to two and a half years.

This proposal seeks to fund specialized medical consultations, which are essential for diagnosis and follow-up, and are provided by the only pediatric oncologists in the country.

Each consultation represents: 

- Clinical diagnosis and evaluation of test results 

- Prescription of chometherapy and supportive medications 

- Review of imaging studies 

- Comprehensive care 

- Emotional suppor and direct communication with the family 

This is Samantha, and her story: 

Carol Vásquez, Samantha’s mother, shares her experience navigating her daughter’s cancer journey. Samantha was diagnosed two years ago with a Wilms tumor in her right kidney and has recently had to restart treatment due to a relapse detected in her lungs.

Samantha’s initial symptoms included pink-colored urine, which led doctors to believe she had a urinary tract infection. After completing antibiotic treatment with no improvement, she was taken to a private hospital, where an ultrasound and CT scan were performed. The results were concerning, and the family decided to transfer her to the Benjamín Bloom National Children’s Hospital to continue her care.

When the diagnosis was confirmed, Samantha’s mother recalls being in shock and finding it very difficult to accept the news. However, she is grateful for the swift response of the medical team, who immediately performed surgery and began chemotherapy shortly afterward.

In November 2025, during a follow-up CT scan, doctors detected spots in Samantha’s lungs, requiring them to resume treatment with stronger medications to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

For Samantha’s family, receiving treatment at the Medical Center of Fundación Ayúdame a Vivir has been a true blessing. They recognize that their journey would have been very different without access to the necessary medications and the comprehensive care provided.

• Medical_Consultatios_Program__Report.pdf (PDF)
  

The Medical Consultations Program provides specialized pediatric oncology consultations to children with cancer in El Salvador. Through this project, patients receive diagnoses, follow-ups, treatment evaluations, and continuous medical guidance completely free of charge for their families.

• 200 new patients evaluated upon diagnosis every year.

• 1500 follow-up consultations to monitor treatment progress.

• Reduced waiting times for evaluations and follow-ups.

• 100% of patients received consultations without any cost.

Testimony: Gesis, 3 years, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

We discovered Génesis’ illness in an unexpected way. One day, she fainted for a few seconds and her skin, hands, and feet turned yellow. Although she looked normal again afterward, I decided to take her to the hospital. The first tests showed abnormalities in her white blood cells, and we were referred to other centers for more thorough studies. Finally, at the Bloom Hospital, after a bone marrow aspirate, we received the diagnosis: acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The impact on my family was enormous. Génesis had always been a healthy girl, and we never imagined facing something like this. I stopped working to dedicate myself entirely to her care, and our daily lives changed completely. The initial treatments were difficult, especially because it was hard to place an IV line, until she received a PORT catheter, which allowed her to get her medications without as much pain. Despite everything, Génesis remains a joyful, brave, and incredibly strong girl.

We are still in treatment today, traveling constantly from our canton to the Ayúdame a Vivir Medical Center. Although the process is long and sometimes challenging, my daughter is the one who gives me strength every day. Seeing her fight with such courage has made me a stronger and more grateful woman. She is my miracle, and every step forward is a blessing we celebrate with hope.

I am deeply grateful to Fundación Ayúdame a Vivir and to all the donors who make Génesis’ treatment completely free. Thanks to your support, my daughter receives every medication, exam, medical consultation, and specialized care she needs to keep moving forward. You not only help Génesis, but hundreds of other children who are fighting cancer. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to keep dreaming of her recovery and of a future full of life.

Thank you Donors: We extend our deepest gratitude to our donors. Their generosity makes it possible for every child to receive the medical consultations, exams, and specialized care they need entirely free of charge.