A special little life - community support strengthens a family

Like many little lives, Juan’s arrival four years ago was greatly anticipated by his mother, Olga. She had begun attending one of Deaconess Children’s Services’ Latinos Unidos groups and was eager to start the parenting class because she had just found out that she was pregnant. Like many expectant mothers, Olga was excited but scared at the same time. She did not have family in the area and only a cousin to count on. She depended on the Latinos Unidos group for advice and support.

Baby Juan was born prematurely and had to be kept under constant watch. He was very ill and doctors believed he might not make it through that first night. Members of the Latinos Unidos group were at the hospital to celebrate with Olga at the birth, but instead circled around her and offered their love and prayers that Juan would gain strength and beat the odds. Morning came and although still very ill, Juan had survived that first crucial night. Juan’s physical difficulties were significant: he had been born with his stomach attached to itself so he could not eat; his lungs were not fully developed and his brain was surrounded by fluid. Doctors told Olga that Juan’s chances of making it through the first week were slim. Members of the Latinos Unidos group continued to stay with Olga and Juan to offer their support.

Little Juan had tubes coming from his head, lungs, and into his stomach. Olga diligently followed instructions from the doctors and nurses and learned to take care of Juan. She pumped her breast milk and tubes attached directly to his stomach would deliver her milk to him. Juan was kept in an incubator for three months, and was finally released from Children’s Hospital when he was six months old. As Juan’s strength and immunity grew, Olga began to bring him with her to the Latinos Unidos group. He continued to live with tubes going into his stomach, but members of the group were amazed at his growth and at Olga’s devotion.

Juan is now four years old. Although his tubes were removed when he was 2½, he lives with significant physical and cognitive disabilities. He eats solid food, but issues remain with his stomach, lungs and bladder. The fluid in his brain also left its mark and learning is slower than other children his age. Even with these challenges, however, Juan is a happy boy and he and his mother are very close. Juan’s young life is a shining example of what can be achieved when we have support in the community and people who love us. With support from Latinos Unidos staff, Juan’s mother, Olga, applied for and received social security funds, which ensure that he has enough money for medical supplies, special food, and diapers. Juan attends special classes to help him overcome some of his fears and challenges, and visiting nurses love to work with him.

Olga is a determined mother and as started a business cleaning houses in order to be able to be available for Juan. Olga continues to be an active member of the Latinos Unidos group and credits the support of the group for helping her to care for Juan, and for teaching her that when we have children, we will be tested and our love for the children will help us endure the battles.