Ponciana, mother of 4 needs urgent help.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Mother of 4 needs cancer removed

Ponciana with her tumor covered.

Yesterday, we met a 28 year old woman in the small village of Peña Blanca who is suffering from a horrible condition.  Ponciana, a mother of four, is suffering from cancer in her foot.  The tumor is almost as big as her foot itself, and it is open and infected, and causes Ponciana incredible pain. We sent her to the doctor today, and he confirmed what everyone suspected--her foot will have to be amputated.  A specialist will have to come from another city to perform the surgery, and Ponciana will need follow up care to ensure that she heals properly, and learns to live without her foot.  Other hospitals told the family that this would cost over $5,000, but the doctor whom we work with here in Panajachel has offered his skills and facilities for free, and found a specialist who will do the surgery at a reduced price, which means we can help Ponciana get rid of this awful tumor for $1,667.

The family was fighting to get by on Ponciana's husband, Domingo's small salary as a day laborer--he earns about $6 a week when there is work, but often there isn't--even before Ponciana got sick, and now they are out of options.  Their oldest three children small children, Silvia (10), Sandra (8),  Jorge (4) had been going to school (the youngest, Katy, is only 2), but with the costs of caring for Ponciana, Domingo doesn't have the money to keep them studying.   

To help Ponciana get the surgery that she needs, please go to Donate Now, and enter your donation in the Family Aid section.  ANY amount gets us closer to helping Ponciana and her family move on with their lives.  Enter the family name as FA115.  If you're interested in helping Silvia, Sandra or Jorge to stay in elementary school this year, please email christine[at]mayanfamilies[dot]org for more information or to set up a sponsorship.

WARNING--THE PICTURES OR THE TUMOR ITSELF ARE A BIT GRAPHIC