Free Health Fairs in Yucatán, Mexico
What would it be like not having access to medical care? Unfortunately, it’s a reality for many families living in extreme poverty near Mérida on the Yucatán Peninsula. Our partner, Red de Ciudadanos de Mérida, a local charity, addresses this concern.
A health fair with free access to medical care is offered monthly in communities near Mérida. Entire families are encouraged to attend the festival-like events. Five hundred people attend each event. Philip Hayden Foundation provides a nutritious breakfast for each attendee, including milk. Participants receive medical screening and information on four medical needs at each event: nursing, nutrition, visual health, and psychology. In addition, there is a mix of individual consults and informational talks – and lots of fun.
Heart disease and diabetes are the leading cause of death in Yucatán, Mexico. At these health fairs, participants can get their blood pressure or blood sugar checked by nurses and medical assistants.
Experts also offer nutrition counseling at each health fair. Good nutrition is vital for a long, healthy life. Children also need good nutrition for a healthy mind and body. Unfortunately, over 20% of the children in Mexico have stunted growth because of poor nutrition, which also affects development, learning, and length of life. Participants can also receive needed glasses and medication at the health fair.
The health fairs are held in different areas around Mérida to encourage new participants every month. Transportation is limited, with many families walking or bicycling everywhere. The variety of locations provides a clinic within walking distance for many families. The May fair was held in Petac, a small town south of Mérida. The June health fair will be in San Pedro Chimay, and the July event will be in Texam de Cámara; both are also south of Mérida in areas of extreme poverty.
Your $35 donation today will provide a nutritious meal for 20 attendees at the health fairs.
Fire Devastates Young Families
There is an urgent need for a young family in Mérida. On May 15, a fire broke out and destroyed the shanty homes of three young families. Thankfully, the families in two homes escaped unharmed but lost everything. One of these families is a single mom with two school-age children. Our friends at Red de Ciudadanos de Mérida provided them with food, blankets, and some wood to begin rebuilding their lives.
The third family was not so fortunate. The young mother and father were outside while their toddler sons were napping inside. Even though the structure was burning, the father ran inside to rescue his sons. Unfortunately, the father died due to his heroic efforts, but he saved both sons.
Two-year-old Didier suffered two fractures in his leg, requiring surgery to repair it. Unfortunately, three-year-old Jesús David had severe burns over his entire body. After his medical evaluation, he was transported to a hospital with a burn unit in Mexico City. Local donors helped fund his transportation to Mexico City, but your donations will help with the medical and travel expenses so that this young mom can be with her severely burned son.
I can’t imagine the heartbreak of this young mom. She has lost her husband and her home. Her very young sons are in hospitals in separate cities, hundreds of miles apart. Jesús David has such severe burns that he may not survive. Your generosity right now will show compassion beyond expectations. Please pray for these families and consider donating today.
Dragon Boat Festival
Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, and it has been celebrated for over 2000 years. This double five day is considered to be a lucky day. Dragon Boat Festival is one of the four top traditional Chinese festivals, along with the Spring Festival, Tomb-Sweeping Day, and Mid-Autumn Festival. In 2023, Dragon Boat Festival falls on June 22, and China will have three days of public holiday this year. Check out Stories of Hope to read more about the legends surrounding this important holiday.
Curtis Discovers Fun in Preschool
Curtis started preschool in March. He was a bit shy at first, but once he discovered how many things there were to explore and create, he had a lot of fun! He isn’t a big fan of snow, so he prefers to stay warm inside and build towers out of blocks instead. He’s discovered a love of cars and drives them around his room with his friends. He likes it whenever he gets a chance to go to the nurses’ kitchen for some extra treats! Curtis’ charming smile can win the hearts of many!
Curtis is living in a Healing Home in China, sponsored by our partner, New Hope Foundation. Your donations provide medication for orphans here. Each Healing Home is located in a government-run orphanage and has the full approval of the CCCWA and local Civil Affairs officials. Your donations to the Medical Fund provide medical care for Curtis and others orphans in Healing Homes in China.