Rescue a Malnourished Child in Guatemala

On June 6th, 2025, nine-year-old *Mateo arrived at Casa Jackson Hospital for Malnourished Children after a long and painful journey. He had been referred by the Procuraduría General de la Nación (PGN) following a month in the National Hospital of Escuintla.

He weighed just 12.2 kg (26.9 lbs) - the average weight of a two-year-old -  and his fragile body was covered with sores caused by neglect and abuse.

Diagnosed with infantile cerebral palsy and a history of seizures, *Mateo arrived without even a wheelchair. The team that brought him carried him gently in their arms from the car to admissions - a small but powerful act of dignity and compassion that marked the beginning of his healing.

He looked tired, confused, and a little lost. Yet behind his frail body, there was a quiet spark of life waiting to be rekindled.

At Casa Jackson, *Mateo received not only urgent medical care but something just as vital  -  love, attention, and hope. Our dedicated nurses, pediatrician, nutritionist, and volunteers surrounded him with tenderness and encouragement. Through nutritional therapy, medication, and gentle physiotherapy, his body slowly began to strengthen.

Over the following weeks, he gained more than 45% of his body weight, reaching 17.9 kg (39.46 lbs) and a much healthier MUAC (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference) of 18 cm (7.09 in).

There were many unforgettable milestones along the way. One of the most beautiful came the day he received his adapted wheelchair, donated by our compassionate volunteers. His face lit up with pure joy - he smiled, laughed, and proudly examined his new chair as if he knew it would change his life.

From that moment on, he eagerly awaited each morning for someone to take him downstairs to play, surrounded by laughter and love. For a child who had spent most of his life confined to a bed, those moments of movement and connection were nothing short of miraculous.

Though he could not walk or speak, *Mateo had his own language of joy. His eyes danced with gratitude. His laughter filled the halls. His smile reminded everyone who met him why Casa Jackson exists - to give children like him a second chance at life.

When it came time to plan for his future, our team once again stood by his side. After multiple court hearings and coordination with the PGN and Ministry of Health, *Mateo was lovingly transferred to Centro Virgen del Socorro del Hermano Pedro, where he continues to receive the care and support he deserves.

Today, *Mateo is healthy, happy, and safe - living proof that compassion changes lives.

Because of donors like you, Casa Jackson was able to care for *Mateo for 112 days, providing 24-hour medical care, nutrition, and love to a child who was completely dependent on others.

But for every *Mateo, there is another child still waiting - another life hanging in the balance.

Casa Jackson Hospital for Malnourished Children is one of the few places in Guatemala that welcomes children over 5 years old suffering from malnutrition. Your generosity allows us to keep our doors open to the most vulnerable -  to say yes when others must say no.

Thank you for making stories like *Mateo’s possible.

On February 19th, Lucía arrived at Casa Jackson Hospital for Malnourished Children with her mother, María. Just 18 months old, Lucía was facing a life-threatening battle with severe acute malnutrition.

She couldn’t crawl, couldn’t walk, and her body was visibly weak. Her mid-upper arm circumference measured just 11 centimeters (4.3 inches) - well below the healthy threshold for a child her age.

Those first few days were difficult. Lucía cried often and refused food, clinging tightly to her mother for comfort. But even in those quiet, uncertain moments, our team could see it - a spark of determination in her eyes.

With daily nutrition therapy, gentle care, and constant support from volunteers and staff, Lucía began to heal. Her mother, María, quickly became part of the Casa Jackson family - volunteering in the kitchen, helping with laundry, and always lifting spirits with her kindness and gratitude.

Slowly, Lucía transformed. She began to smile. She laughed during playtime. She gained strength, learned to sit up on her own, and even took her first steps - with just a little help.

By the time she was discharged on May 2nd, her arm circumference had grown to 12.7 centimeters (5 inches) - a healthy, hopeful sign of full nutritional recovery.

Of course, there were moments of fear - times when Lucía fell ill again or seemed to regress. But with the love of her mother and the unwavering care of our team, she pushed forward every time.

Since opening its doors in 2008, Casa Jackson has saved the lives of over 1,800 babies just like Lucía - children whose lives were hanging in the balance due to malnutrition. And yet, the need is still great...

Your support is what makes their healing possible.

Because of you, Lucía now has a second chance at life. She leaves Casa Jackson stronger, happier, and ready to thrive.