Carmelina Ajquejay
La Pila
My name is Carmelina Ajquejay. I live in La Pila and am the fourth of 13 children. I am the eldest child still living with my parents.
In January this year my dad had an accident and broke his spine, so he was sent to the Chimaltenango Hospital for a long time. My mom took care of him because we did not have enough money to pay for the treatment he needed.
All the family was under my care, with no support from my parents and with no food for the youngest ones. My mother was unable to breastfeed my 4-month-old brother because she had to travel every day to be with my dad. During this time, he lost weight and got sick. I did not know what to do, but I remembered the Strong Family Center and found support from them with food and activities for my brothers and sisters under 6.
I have been attending the center Tuesdays and Fridays so they can have a good lunch. My baby brother is now fine as he has received vitamins and nutritive drinks there. Also, with support from ABPD, I got help from the local health center and my brother’s weight is good now.
Thank God my brother is fine now and my dad is back at home. And, thank ABPD for the Strong Family Center because I learned how to take care of my brothers and sisters and how to feed them properly depending on their ages. I felt very supported by the other participants and the ABPD educator; they gave me many ideas about how to deal with this hard situation. My brothers, sisters and I are still attending the center because, with their support, I am better able to help my family.
