Support Cleft Nutrition in Rural Guatemala

High in the misty mountains of San Juan Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, lives a young couple—Rodolfo and María Gabriela—with their two sons, José and baby Héctor. Their home, made of tin and cane, is humble but full of love.

Six months ago, Héctor was born with a cleft lip and palate. He couldn’t breastfeed, and his parents quickly noticed his pain and difficulty eating. Rodolfo, a 22-year-old farmer, recognized the condition—his sister had been born the same way. But he didn’t know how to access help.

One day, Rodolfo saw a Partner for Surgery van passing by with a hand-drawn image of a cleft baby. That moment gave him hope. With help from his employer, who contacted our team, Héctor was referred to our Cleft Infant Nutrition Program.

When our health promoter Dina met him in February 2025, Héctor was just three months old, weighing only 2.4 kg (5.2 lbs). He was severely malnourished. That day marked the beginning of a life-changing journey.

On a recent home visit, Dina brought a 15-lb supply of nutritional support—Incaparina, formula, and specialized bottles. Alongside two pediatric volunteers from California, Héctor was examined and praised for his progress: he now weighs 12.6 lbs and measures 60 cm.

His family, though facing cold nights and no running water, remains hopeful. A small gas stove gifted by Rodolfo’s employer has allowed them to safely prepare his bottles. Their community is their strength.

Héctor is now scheduled to receive his first surgery this August, thanks to the Faces of Hope surgical team—and most importantly, thanks to you.

Your donation provided the formula, transportation, medical care, and hope that made Héctor’s transformation possible.

From our entire team and Héctor’s family: thank you.