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.