Gabriel in Hospital, Looking for Orphanage

Over the past couple months in his new home in El Mamey, Gabriel Maradiaga has sadly not received the care he needs. In addition to his family, we as a community must share the blame for allowing him to starve. On a house visit last week, Matt Wesley and I carried him back towards Cusmapa until we were able to catch a ride with a Fabretto truck. Although Gabriel was in good spirits as usual, it was immediately clear that he needed urgent medical care. In the health center I met with the heads of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of the Family of Cusmapa. We all decided that Gabriel could not stay in the same house. His mother is simply incapable of looking after him and other relatives have not stepped up. Doctors in the health center told me Gabriel had lost almost all of his body fat, his muscles were deteriorating and, due to a lack of protein, liquids had left their normal locations and caused his stomach to become bloated.

The following morning, health officials took Gabriel and his mother to the Somoto hospital for treatment. We are currently looking into orphanages, as this is unfortunately the only plausible option that remains. We continue to monitor the situation and are working with local agencies to find the best solution for Gabriel and his mother.