Mariana, she was born in San Jose Ojotenam, San Marcos. She has cerebral palsy, a condition in which there is increased muscle tone. This means her muscles are stiff and as a result, her movements are awkward. Mariana’s severe spasticity is more noticeable in her upper extremities and muscles of speech.
When the #MHI team met her in 2013, Mariana’s spasticity had made her spine to curve sideways. Through #MHI support she was evaluated by a specialist in Guatemala city, had a back brace to help with the curvature of her spine and ultimately started treatment with Botulinum Neurotoxin A, a medication that relaxes her muscles and allows her to receive physical, speech and occupational therapy at one of our therapy centers.
Mariana is now 15, has normal intelligence and is enrolled in the local public school. Despite her struggles to move and use her hands, she loves to go to school and is an honor student. She always has a smile on her face. Both her parents, Rebeca and Manuel are devoted to her.
Mariana needs visits to a Neurology specialist in Guatemala city, help with transportation and medications. Botulinum neurotoxin A is a forbiddingly expensive medication for anybody living in rural Guatemala.
Please take action. Your gift will help Mariana and other children like her to receive medications, therapy and other services they need.
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