Our Children

Our children have encountered many problems in their young lives.

Our program has been able... and will continue... to help with therapies, medications, transportation, mechanical aids, and general support. As their stories assert, the spunk and determination of these children and their loving families is incredible!

Click on any photo to see their story.

Maria del Carmen M.G.

Maria Guadalupe A.T.

Mayte G.C. has cerebral palsy (CP) and attends at Fundacion Teleton (a government funded therapy program in Guadalajara) three days per week. She was referred to Niños Incapacitados by the DIF. Together with costs for transportation to Guadalajara, soon, Mayte will undergo costly genetic testing and other studies. There could also be some mechanical aids (wheelchair, braces, etc.) necessary. CP is a chronic, non-progressive brain disorder that impairs movement due to developing brain damage. CP usually develops by age 2 or 3, with symptoms often changing over time. Although CP is not curable, most children with CP can live long, happy, quality lives. However, the severity level of the condition, as well as improper management of symptoms, may put the child at risk for diminished life expectancy. By 5 months, Mayte was not acting normally; no hand movement, no foot motion, and had difficulty with feeding. A Paediatric Specialist suggested therapy. Later neurological testing diagnosed Spastic Cerebral Palsy.

Pablo Rafael, now 2, was born by caesarean, immediately requiring oxygen. During his 2-month stay in hospital , he was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and was and is at risk for conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer’s disease, weakened immune system, poor eyesight, childhood leukemia and thyroid conditions. At five months of age, an electrocardiogram revealed that Pablo had a hole in a wall of his heart and would require surgery. Surgery had to be postponed due to his deteriorating health including infections, breathing difficulties and low weight ; as well the cost of surgery was also prohibitive, usually costing 200,000 pesos. A new surgeon advised that he would waive his fee, leaving the family to pay only hospital services and surgery supplies which amounted to 15,000 pesos. Pablo had surgery in December 2013 and is doing well. His checkups continue to be positive. Down Syndrome is also one of the most common causes of mild to moderate learning difficulties. With appropriate health and educational services and the support of his family, Pablo can look forward to a long and fulfilling life.

Mario Alberto V.G., born in 1998, has been with us since mid 2011. He was diagnosed with transverse myelitis: Symptoms include weakness and numbness of the limbs as well as motor, sensory, and sphincter deficits. Severe back pain may occur in some patients at the onset of the disease. The symptoms and signs depend upon the level of the spinal cord involved and the extent of the involvement of the various long tracts. In some cases, there is almost total paralysis and sensory loss below the level of the lesion. In other cases, such loss is only partial. This has affected his legs, he has difficulty walking and his bladder is affected because he is sitting a lot. He did physical therapy at the IMMS hospital in Tlajomulco and he is now doing equine therapy in Chapala and this has been very beneficial for him. We pay for medicine, therapy and consults. His father passed away in mid 2013 and this has affected him greatly, he suffered from depression at the time but his mother has been a great support for him.

Luis Enrique L.O.

Ambar Yissel M.D.

Tadeo de Jesus B.A.

Maria Jose F.O.

Juan Paúl L., born in 1999, has been blind since birth. He has been with us since early 2011. He attended a special school in Guadalajara for blind children and graduated from primary near the top of his class. He learned Braille and his teachers recommended he attend a regular high school in Ajijic. Unfortunately, the other kids did not accept him, therefore his parents enrolled him in another high school in Jocotepec that has special education teachers. There, Juan Paul is thriving, learning computer skills as well as regular class work. He plays the drums in the school band. In September 2014, we were able to give him a used laptop which his teachers are helping him learn to master. We pay for transportation from Ajijic to Jocotepec daily. He sees an Ophthalmologist regularly to treat his dry, itchy eyes. Family is very happy that he is doing so well.

Juan Raul G.J., born in 2005, developed a malignant tumor (rabdomyosarcoma) in his right eye at the age of 7. He has been with us since early 2013. He underwent several sessions of chemotherapy to reduce the size of this tumor. He underwent surgery for the removal of the tumor in late 2013 and is recovering well. He still has a small problem with the eye which does not open properly, He sees an Ophthalmologist for this problem but otherwise he is doing very well. We pay for transportation to and from doctors’ visits, medicine and laboratory work. His prognosis is good.

Jose Adrian C.R. was born in 2003, developed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia a few years ago. He has been with us since early 2013 at which time he was scheduled for 120 sessions of Chemotherapy. He underwent all the usual reactions to the chemotherapy, i.e., loss of hair, nausea, fatigue and malaise. After 40 sessions as of June 2014, his doctors are encouraged by his progress. We pay for transportation to and from appointments and any studies that Seguro Popular does not cover. The family is very supportive of him and he himself can tell you what all his results mean. He is very aware of his situation and always has a big smile for us.

Diego-Antonio J.C.

Maria Fernanda A.O., born in 1998 and older sister of Andrea, came to us in 2010, after having suffered a heart attack for which she was hospitalized two weeks until stable. She was then diagnosed with Lupus and started on chemotherapy. In January 2011, her blood pressure and heart medicines were reduced. Lupus, being an autoimmune disorder, can affect many parts of the body. In Fernanda’s case, she developed serious kidney infections. Fortunately by mid-2012 she was responding very well to her many medications and continues to do so. She is in school, is an excellent student. We pay for her hospitalizations, chemotherapy, blood work and medicines.

Jose de Jesus C.S.

Juan Diego P.A.

Mario de Jesus M.O.

Ulises Saul G.V.

Maria Estefania and Jose Roberto