Sponsor the Care of a Latin American Burned Child

Staff member Lily at COANIQUEM Burn Rehabilitation Center in Santiago, Chile, provides motivation and hope for the burned children treated there.

Lily's long-time treatment is also an example of the length of time it sometimes takes for a child to recover, both physically and mentally, in order to live a normal life.

See Lily's story attached and Carolina's testimony to the loving care received at COANIQUEM.

8,000 children per year receive this treatment free of charge at the centers in Santiago, Antofagasta, and Puerto Montt, Chile.  Additionally, prevention campaigns are conducted in Chile and in other Latin American countries, in an effort to reduce the incidence of childhood burns.

Another program of COANIQUEM provides training for health professionals from throughout Latin America via e-learning and one-month residencies at COANIQUEM Santiago.  This training allows local treatment in those countries, thereby widening the reach of care for burned children.

We are proud to raise funds here in the U.S. to support these wonderful efforts to help the burned children of Latin America!  We appreciate the support of our many donors!

Here is Victor's story as told by his mother .. . 

Hello, my name is Gloria and I am Victor’s mom. My son is 3 years old and got burned by the overturning of a kettle in 2011, when he was only one year old. This occurred at our home in Villa Alemana, and after being treated at three medical centers in the area, we moved to San Borja Arriaran Hospital in Santiago, where he stayed for two months.

When Victor was discharged, I reached COANIQUEM by mail, receiving an immediate response to my request of admitting my son as a rehabilitation patient. Since July 4^th 2011, we and the wonderful medical team have been giving our best for my son’s full recovery. It's been a long process and there is still a long road ahead, but thanks to COANIQUEM, my son lives a completely normal life.

Now, two years after that fateful day, we attend every three months to the Rehabilitation Center of Santiago. We stay at Casabierta totally free, which is great, because it would be very hard to afford a place to stay. Besides, living with the staff and other moms is a great opportunity as we support each other sharing our experiences. There is a hospital school, so children do not miss classes during their treatment and they are not left behind in their studies. There are even workshops for parents where we learn handcrafting, sewing and prepare our traditional food.

It is very rewarding to share with all the amazing people who work in COANIQUEM. The staff’s huge heart and passion for children is noticed and appreciated infinitely.

. . . .   As many as 8,000 children per year live stories such as this.  Your support makes their continuing care possible.

Thank you!