Grandmother finds medical help for her family at OBI clinic
Aquilina and her grandchildren were desperately in need of medical attention, with nowhere to turn.
OBI conducted four medical missions and held five clinics across the region that helped more than 65,000 people.
PERU – At 73 years old, Aquilina has her hands full dealing with six grandchildren as well as battling a constant migraine and nausea.
“There are so many times I don’t have the strength to take care of them all,” she said.
Aquilina lives with her son, Aquiliro, and his children. Their mother died while giving birth to the couple’s youngest daughter, Patty, and now the family lives in a small house that is barely big enough for them all.
Due to high blood pressure, Aquilina suffers from headaches and can’t keep food down because of constant nausea. In addition, the children are constantly sick with colds and sore throats, she said.
Aquiliro, 45, works long hours and can’t be home to help raise the children. His meager earnings aren’t even enough to buy medicine for the family.
“We are worried about the future of this family because if Aquilina gets sick, those children are in danger and would be alone in their house while their father works,” said Jordan Durso, OBI director for Latin America.
Fortunately, Aquilina found help for herself and her six grandchildren at an OBI-funded medical outreach.
“Tonight we are going to surprise their father because he doesn’t know we came here,” Aquilina said. “I know he is going to be very happy we got this medicine without having to pay for anything.”
OBI conducted four medical missions and held five clinics across the region. About 65,000 people were helped through the outreaches.
“I am thankful for the medicine you gave us all,” Aquilina added.
In addition to providing Aquilina with vitamins and medicine, OBI staff also made arrangements with a local church to help find on-going care for their family.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Operation Blessing is helping to transform the futures of children like these by providing clean water, education assistance, nutritional feeding programs, medical care and more.
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