Growing up in the shadow of a grave

	Maria and Sonia
	The grave sits outside the family’s black plastic hovel in Honduras

The grave sits outside the family’s black plastic hovel in Honduras, a trim cross marking the spot where an infant child was buried. For Maria Carmen Martinez, 25, it’s a constant reminder of the fragility of life for poor children.

Maria’s world came crashing down when 5-day-old Cristela died. A severely ill Maria was in the hospital at the time Cristela suffered a fatal heart attack. “When I came back home, my daughter was already dead. I wanted to die with the baby,” she said.

Now Maria worries about her other daughter, Sonia, 20 months old, who is severely malnourished. Rising food prices prevent Maria from buying Sonia the nutritious food she needs to maintain a healthy weight. Malnutrition afflicts her little body, causing a myriad of health problems.

Sonia’s frail state of health is a constant concern for Maria. Doctors advised giving an oral rehydration solution to help Sonia’s bone-thin body absorb nutrition, but one bottle costs $13. Maria and her husband barely bring home $13 a week. The couple does what they can to feed their two small children, but poverty has been a terrible burden.

“I feel bad because no mother wants her children to get ill,” Maria says. “I worry about her so much. I’m ready to go and beg so I can give a better life to my daughter.” She added, “When my daughter cries, it feels like agony.”

Please help Maria, and families like hers by sending your donation today.

Click here to view Food For The Poor’s August Newsletter