in the Balance

How Your Support Helped Rescue

A Little Girl In Guatemala

The red and white vehicle bounces up a narrow, deeply rutted dirt road in the remote highlands of Guatemala. Across the twin doors at the rear the word “AMBULANCIA” is spelled out in large block letters. Along the way it passes through some small villages, but for the most part this mountainous region is lush, green, and very rural.

After over an hour navigating the heavyrain scarred roads, the ambulance finally arrives at its destination—Yeimi’s house.

At two months old, little Yeimi weighs less than seven pounds, more than 3 pounds below the average weight of baby girls her age. She is at risk of suffering from malnutrition, which could have life-long consequences. The ambulance, dispatched from Cross International’s local partner, Hope of Life, is carrying a nurse who’s here to evaluate little Yeimi and determine the best way to help her and her family.

The nurse, Hosmary, meets Yeimi’s mother, 18-yearold Mayra, and gently picks up Yeimi, checking her over. The examination reveals that Yeimi is suffering from a cleft palate that makes it very difficult for her to breastfeed.

Thankfully, Yeimi seems to be otherwise healthy and should make a swift recovery

Hosmary examins

Yeimi and rides in the back of the Hope of Life ambulance with her mother.

Zach Oles, Cross International’s VP of International Programs, holds Yeimi in his arms.

once she gets the nutrition she needs.

Staff from Cross International and Hope of Life help carry little Yeimi to the ambulance, and of course Mayra comes too. After a long and bouncy ride the ambulance delivered Yeimi and her mama to the Hope of Life hospital. There she underwent a more thorough evaluation by a doctor and an action plan was developed to ensure that this precious little girl can grow up healthy and strong.

In the coming weeks and months medical staff will closely monitor Yeimi’s progress as she is provided the nutritional support she needs as well as surgery to correct her cleft palate.

Additionally, her mama Mayra will receive training, education, and resources to ensure that she is fully equipped to care for her baby daughter in the months and years ahead.