Lester, the child not worth saving

People who have heard us make presentations about the nutritional center in the last couple of years have heard of Lester, the "miracle baby." We had the pleasure of seeing him on our trip in July. He is a very healthy 5 year old.

The first picture of Lester from Sr. Ana Christina

In October 2005 Sister Ana Christina called our house in a panic. She had just received a new baby who was in very bad condition. The baby was one year old and only weighed 9 pounds. His name is Lester.

Lester's family went to three different doctors, before being sent to Sr. Ana Christina. Each of the doctors told his Mother the same thing. "This child is going to die, there is nothing I can do for him, so take him home and let him die, he is not worth saving." As a parent in America, this would be appalling how could a doctor say such a thing? But in Guatemala, this is reality. They don't have health insurance. There is no Medicaid to help. If you didn't have enough money to feed your child, you certainly don't have money to pay a doctor or hospital.

The worst of the worst

The last doctor did say that there was a nun in this Santo Hermono Pedro hospital, who might be able to help. He made the referral to Sr. Ana Christina, and we got the call. Sister called and told us of this baby, and that she needed help. The child was so sick that she needed to hire two people to care for him. The ladies would work 12 hours shifts, and their only job was to take care of Lester. Lester was in such poor condition, that they could not just feed him. He was filled with parasites and his digestive system was a wreck. All he could handle was 1 teaspoon of a nutritional drink (similar to our our baby formula) every 15 minutes. He was so weak that if he even caught a cold, he would die. His breathing was labored and Sister wasn't even sure if he would make it through the night. She stayed at his bedside on her knees and prayed over him all night long. In the morning he was still alive. Each day he got stronger.

Lester 2006

We had a friend e-mail us photos of Lester, and took them to Fr. Don Geyman. His response was to have a special collection this week and we will send her the money we raised. We went to the church with it that weekend and raised over $3,000.00! The members of Holy Family parish heard the call and saved this child. All of the prayers and financial support came just in time to make the difference in this one child's life.

Lester is still at the center, he is very healthy and very much a 5 year old boy. His fine motor skills are delayed but they said he seems to have normal intelligence.

Sr. Ana Christina has never lost a child

The only sad news is that his families condition has not improved. Lester will stay with Sr. Ana Christina until things turn around for his family. Lets pray that comes soon.

Lester today with Sr. Ana Christina and Michelle