How UK supporters helped *Peter from Peru back to health with life-changing medical treatment
*Peter's journey is one filled with hope and struggle. He began his time with Kids Alive in Peru in the autumn of 2023 at the age of seven, after being referred by the Special Protection Unit. When Peter arrived, he was in poor health, frightened and confused carrying only a small backpack. Tragically his mother, who was battling AIDS, had abandoned him in an unsafe environment.
Because Peter didn't have any identity documents he was unable to access health and education services, and as a result, he had not received any schooling or healthcare. Fortunately, thanks to our incredible supporters, Kids Alive was able to fund the life-changing surgery he desperately needed to remove two umbilical hernias. However, during the pre-operative evaluations, it became evident that Peter’s anaemia meant he needed to become stronger before he could safely undergo the surgery.
Concern grew among those who cared for him, knowing that every day spent with the hernia endangered his health. Doctors advised a strict diet rich in iron and supplements, which eventually improved his condition, enabling him to gain strength for a successful surgery in the summer of 2024.
* (name changed to protect privacy)
For such a young child, the thought of surgery was terrifying. The two weeks he spent recovering after the operation felt endless. Bedridden and unable to play or attend school, he felt trapped and bored. However, with the support of dedicated caregivers who watched over him day and night, he overcame these challenges. Today, Peter can run, play football, and laugh just like any other child. His eyes have regained the brightness that is often lost when childhood fades too soon.
Despite these improvements, a shadow still lingers in his life. Peter misses his mother deeply and asks every day whether he will be able to see her again. The authorities continue to try to locate his mother or other family members, but so far, they have been unsuccessful. Peter is currently being cared for at The Orchard Residential Support Centre in Pucallpa, where, thanks to our child sponsorship programme, he receives an education, food, shelter, and most importantly love and security.
"...because I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist them."Job 29: 12
Posted by Lynne Edmunds on January 24th 2025
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