Gabriel Maradiaga

Gabriel Maradiaga outside of home, El Apante, March 2009

Gabriel with Mother, El Apante, March 2009

Gabriel with mother, Hospital, Somoto, March 2009

Gabriel at Home on Donated Mattress, El Apante, August 2009

We found Gabriel Maradiaga via a health survey we carried out in May 2009. The Fabretto teacher there, Genaro, was in charge of the surveys in El Apante, a village accessible only by foot. When he met with us soon after, he told us of a child whose degree of malnourishment required more immediate attention than our normal programs provide. Upon seeing the early photos, two of which are shown above, we knew we had to act fast. Soon after our visit to his house with volunteers from Old St. Pat's Church in Chicago (who donated the mattresses seen in the picture above), Gabriel was transferred to the health center in Cusmapa and then on to the hospital in Somoto. Doctors quantified the problem: 4 and a half years old, only 20 pounds. In the hospital, he and his mother, who is also malnourished, were given food and vitamins. Using Razoo funds we were able to purchased fortified powdered milk and vitamins at the request of doctors and new clothes (some of which were also donated by Old St. Pat's). After a month in the hospital, Gabriel has returned home with his mom, looking much healthier than before. He also enjoys his new mattresses, which we walked to his house earlier this month!

We continue to provide Gabriel with medical attention, food, clothing and whatever else he needs.

To help, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Health-Care-For-Fabretto-Children