Diana stands between two OBI medical volunteers who put on a children's show as part of the medical outreach in Lima.

LIMA, PERU – Before Diana can leave for school she takes care of her mother, finishes up household chores and tries to get her homework done.

All that and she is only five years old.

Diana's mother, Belen, never married but had two children. She suffers with a nervous system disorder and can't work. Diana, the youngest child, is often forced to stay home from school to help care for her mother.

"I made a promise to my brother that I will take care of my mom and that's why I don't complain," Diana said.

Her brother, Diego, works 15 hour days to care for the family but still doesn't make  enough money to buy them the medication they need.

Typically, Diego leaves his house at 6 a.m. and installs telephone cables by climbing up each post. Diego pays his neighbor a small stipend to feed his family lunch while he was gone.

Diego is just 13 years old.

As a result of their unsanitary living conditions, Diana contracted intestinal parasites as well as an ear and skin infection.

The young girl found help at an OBI-funded medical outreach where she stood in line for hours only to learn she couldn't be treated because she was not there with an adult. However, a neighbor spotted the girl and went with her as a guardian.

OBI conducted four medical missions and held five clinics across the region. About 65,000 people were helped through the outreaches.

"When I got sick, I didn't know what to do," Dians said, "so I came here."

OBI conducted four medical missions and held five clinics across the region. About 65,000 people were helped through the outreaches.

"I thought maybe you could help me and you did," Diana said about getting aid at the medical clinic. "Thank you for this medicine. I didn't have the money to buy it."

Diana left with medicine for her family as well as food. She was also able to stay and see a children's show being held at the medical clinic. OBI team members also gave Diana's information to a local church in her city where they could continue with follow-up care.

"We want to be able to give her the confidence and security she needs to grow up in a healthy emotional and physical environment," said Jordan Durso, Operation Blessing Latin America director.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Whether it is by providing anti-parasite medications, cleft lip and palate surgeries for children battling birth deformities or free medical clinics for hundreds who cannot afford the cost of medical care, your financial gift is helping to bring relief to the hurting.

Please make an online donation today.

 

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