Support Cleft Nutrition in Rural Guatemala

Juan was born at home on December 25, 2024, in a rural community in Nebaj. His arrival, though joyful, came with an unexpected challenge he was born with a cleft lip and palate.

For his family, the first days were filled with uncertainty. Without prior knowledge of his condition, they sought help at their local health post, hoping to find guidance. Still, many questions remained unanswered, and the road ahead felt unclear.

It wasn’t through the health system, but through a neighbor who had faced a similar situation, that Jacinto’s family first learned about our  Cleft Infant Nutrition Program. This connection became a turning point. After reaching out and coordinating with the health promoter, Miguel, he began supporting them and showed them how to feed the baby using a special bottle, as breastfeeding was not possible. 

Before that, his family had been doing everything on their own purchasing formula and doing their best to care for him despite the challenges. Once enrolled, they began receiving regular visits, nutritional support, and the tools they needed to help Jacinto grow stronger.

Over time, Jacinto began to gain weight steadily. While the minimum requirement for surgery was 12 pounds, he reached 16 pounds by the time of his first procedure, showing strong nutritional progress.

In April, Jacinto traveled to Antigua Guatemala to attend a medical mission, where a team of doctors from Free To Smile provided surgical care to children with cleft conditions. This marked a significant milestone for his family after months of dedication, follow-up, and nutritional support.

Thanks to his progress, Jacinto arrived strong and ready for surgery. During the mission, he received his cleft lip repair, an important step forward in his journey. For his family, seeing the immediate change brought relief and renewed hope as they watched him begin to heal.

Jacinto continues to be part of the program, receiving ongoing support as he prepares for the next stage of his treatment. While his palate surgery is still pending, his progress so far reflects the impact of early intervention, consistent care, and family commitment.

Today, Jacinto is growing stronger each day. His story is still unfolding, but it already reflects resilience, determination, and the importance of access to timely care.