Josue's mom tenderly kisses his cheek while he receives an IV treatment in the hospital.

SOYAPANGO, El Salvador – You’d never know by looking at him, but 4-year-old Josue’s kind eyes and bright smile hide a very painful past.

Two years ago, stomach pain prevented the little boy from even walking. Unable to eat very much, Josue began losing weight. Lack of nutrition, anemia, and frequent bouts of diarrhea left him weak and kept him from venturing out very much.

At the age of 3, Josue was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, an intestinal inflammatory disease that is rare among children. In fact, Josue marked the very first case of Crohn’s in El Salvador for a child his age.

Although there is no cure, Crohn’s Disease is treatable and Josue was started on a high dose of the medication. But the inflammation never went down.

There was another option—a different medication. But each dose cost $752, and, because of the cyclical nature of Crohn’s, Josue would need treatment at least once every two months to control the disease.

Thanks to the donated medicine, Josue is happy, healthy and able to play with his friends again.

Josue’s father works hard, but the family’s income is only $210 each month—barely a third of the cost of the medication and just enough to cover their family’s basic necessities.

After learning about Josue’s need, Operation Blessing was able to secure a donation of the medication—enough for a full year’s worth of treatments.

For Josue, that meant finally having the chance to enjoy life like any other healthy young boy or girl.

Today, he is not only able to walk, but is playful and full of energy. Now he visits the hospital only to receive his treatments or for an occasional intolerance to food.

And that’s a good thing, because these days, Josue is far too busy having fun, taking bike rides, and playing with friends, to be sick.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of OBI's ongoing medical relief efforts by making an online contribution to help those suffering from extreme poverty and sickness.

 

------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 1997- 2013 by Operation Blessing International of this page and all contents. No part of this site may be used without prior written consent from OBI. All Rights Reserved. Questions or comments? Email us at operation.blessing@ob.org.