Lúcia and Samara
We received word about Samara and her family through one of our volunteers. When we met them, Samara was not attending school and was very sick with gynecological problems. She was in so much pain that she could not sit, felt very uncomfortable while urinating, and presented several symptoms of malnutrition and diabetes.
First steps
Lúcia, Samara’s mother, was unable to work due to health problems. She has migraines and high blood pressure. The two older children worked in agriculture, earning about 6 dollars a day. Her father worked on the land belonging to the owner of the house where they live in exchange for housing.
Our first step to assist this family was to provide basic food for the family. We provided psychological support through the local city’s social services. We took both Lúcia and Samara to the doctor including exams and consultation with a gynecological and endocrinological specialist for Samara. We maintained the dialogue and training in emotional development with both Samara and Lúcia.
Following through
Samara learned that she is diabetic and her blood sugar levels were very elevated. We started to guide her as she began to use her new medication. We are also counseling her on how to eat in order to control her blood sugar as well as how to navigate the public health system to get her medications at no cost.
Samara had very severe inflammation of the cervix, requiring specific treatment and medication, which we bought for her because it was not available through the public health system there. We also paid for her medical exams which were also not possible through the public health system.
After treatment and training on how she can manage diabetes, Samara’s health continues to improve. She is now dating a boy who wants to marry her, named Felipe. Hear the Cry Brasil has continued to follow up with the family on a monthly basis. During these visits, the family shares a lot of love and simplicity with our team, including some of the fruits and vegetables that they have been able to grow.
We were able to arrange for Felipe to work on one of our building projects, and he and Samara’s lives are improving. She has stayed in school and is healthy.
We continue to follow Dona Lúcia's situation as well. We ensure that she has her medications even when they are not available through the public system, and continue to help with food baskets as needed.
