Project Report
| Jul 21, 2017
Changing Lives in Rural Guatemala
By Dr. Ligia Garcia | Staff Physican
![Mr. Jose Tay during initial visit at our clinic]()
Mr. Jose Tay during initial visit at our clinic
On June 21, 2017, Jose and his wife Elena left their village at 6:00 a.m. Elena said "We prayed we would find help for Jose today". They arrived at our health center at 8:00 a.m. He was my first patient of the day.
There was no doubt Mr. Tay was in a grave situation. We made arrangements with Dr. Castilo at a hospital in Antigua to see him. Lois drove Mr. & Mrs. Tay in our pick up and arrived in Antigua by noon. Dr. Castilo gave Jose very little hope and explained most likely his eye would have to be removed. Dr. Castilo recommended that Jose be seen at the eye center in Guatemala City.
We took Jose and Elena to a hotel, bought them lunch and dinner, and checked in with them that evening. We re-arranged duties for the next day so Marlon could take Jose and Elena to the eye clinic. He picked them up at 4:00 a.m. the next morning and drove to the city. Once there, after waiting several hours for the doctor, Jose was told there was a slight possiblity they could save his eye.
We helped Jose and Elena with the cost of medicine and two more trips back to the eye center in Guatemala City. He had surgery to scrape the ulcer and his eye sight is slowly returning.
Elena said "We are so grateful for your help. You are the strength that helps us move forward at this difficult stage that we are living."
Our health team treats sick children and adults every day. Children routinely go hungry and suffer with malnutrition. Treatable ailments turn fatal for lack of care. People here have little to no resources for medical care. They wait until they are very sick because they do not have money to pay for a consultation and medicine.
Your support will enable us to help some of the world's most vulunerable families receive critical health care. Please make a donation today.
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