SPONSOR A CHILD
Scarred tissue does not grow like healthy skin. In children, burn injuries are particularly challenging because their bodies are still developing. This leads to scar contractures, which compromise normal functionality and range of movement.
COANIQUEM’s door-to-door approach goes beyond just medical treatment, ensuring every aspect of a child’s journey to recovery and reintegration into society is meticulously covered. This holistic approach not only provides free surgery, rehabilitation, and psychological support, but also covers airfares, accommodation, food, schooling, spiritual support and access to top-of-the-line medical equipment and treatments until the child fully matures.
Your contribution makes it possible for children with burns from Latin America and the Caribbean to be supported every step of the way, allowing them to lead healthy and fulfilling lives again.
Lidia´s Story
Under the modest roof of an adobe brick house, the life of six-year-old Lidia turned upside down. Living with the bare essentials in rural Peru, where kerosene lamps light up the darkness, a simple incident became the turning point in her life. One evening, as Lidia moved towards her mother outside, she inadvertently knocked over a kerosene lamp that was on a shaky table. The kerosene splashed across her chest and ignited instantly. The flames spread onto her dress, burning her skin as she desperately tried to remove it.
The aftermath of her injuries was devastating. After her extensive wounds healed, Lidia’s body was covered by the resulting scars. In time, as her body grew, her scars didn’t. Scar contractures pulled her neck to her chest, her lip downwards, and even began to affect her eye. Once free and agile, Lidia’s body was now imprisoned by these contractures. Her dreams seemed to slip away, held captive by her own scars.
Then began Lidia’s long journey of rehabilitation at COANIQUEM, in Chile. Lidia and her father arrived overwhelmed and frightened, stepping into a foreign land with an uncertain future. They were strangers in a foreign country, unsure of what awaited them and what their sacrifices would bring.
“I want to tell all children at COANIQUEM not to be afraid when you come here for the first time. I was also afraid and scared, but with time, everything changes. Over the years, you’ll find hope and healing.”
The journey to recovery was tough, filled with grueling surgeries and exhaustive treatments. COANIQUEM’s comprehensive care extended beyond medical treatment, ensuring that every aspect of Lidia’s reintegration into society was covered.
Their holistic approach provided free rehabilitation and psychological support, covering airfares, accommodation, meals, and access to cutting-edge medical equipment and therapies. Lidia resided in COANIQUEM’s on-campus housing and continued her education at their hospital school. She wore pressure garments and orthoses to prevent her scars from contracting further. Gradually, her condition improved. Her neck, once fused to her chest, regained its mobility. Her arms, previously retracted and stiff, started to move again. And most importantly, her smile, lost when she was six, began to reappear.
“My treatment has been very long and grueling, but I´m very happy because it has all been worth it”
For the next twelve years, Lidia made numerous trips between Peru and Chile as her body grew and she required new interventions, all while maintaining the use of compression garments at home. During this time, she developed a deep and meaningful bond with the dedicated team at COANIQUEM. This connection nurtured growth and resilience in both Lidia and her caregivers at COANIQUEM, a testament that the journey to healing is always better with someone by your side.
Today, Lidia stands (and dances!) proudly, a testament to the power of compassionate care, determination, and resilience.
“I want to thank everyone at COANIQUEM, all the staff and doctors. From the bottom of my heart, I am forever grateful to you, and I will always carry you in my heart.”
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robert.cowan@comcast.net