Meet Lusi
Lusi is a typical little Embera girl, or almost typical, except for one concerning difference. Two weeks ago, her parents reached out to me, alarmed by her excessive sweating and frequent fainting, even during light activities, symptoms her younger sister did not experience.
A Meal and an Appointment
Concerned, I arranged for Lusi to see a pediatrician at a nearby private clinic. She and her parents arrived at my home the night before her appointment. I prepared a balanced meal with their favorite foods—rice and roasted chicken. However, while her 5-year-old sister finished her plate in five minutes and politely asked for more, Lusi showed no appetite at all. Of course, her sister received as much food as she wanted.
Alarming Results at a Medical Check-Up
The next day, I accompanied Lusi and her mother to the appointment, eager to understand what was wrong. Initially, I suspected a heart issue. However, after checking her blood pressure, the doctor ruled out that possibility—it was within the normal range.
Then came alarming news. After weighing and measuring Lusi, the doctor noted that her weight was that of a typical 6-year-old, not an 8-year-old of similar height. Concerned, he ordered a series of blood tests and other medical examinations to determine the cause of her condition.
This is the harsh reality of severe malnutrition among the Embera population.
The True Cause of Lusi’s Condition
After speaking with Lusi’s father, he explained that their daily diet often lacks protein. When they do have some, it’s usually a small piece of chicken shared among five or six family members.
Help from Guardian Angels – Like You
We ask our guardian angels to donate whatever you can to help cover Lusi’s medical expenses and provide food for her family and other Embera children who, like Lusi, are suffering from hunger.
Please become one of Lusi’s guardian angels.
Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Update: June 3, 2025
Lab results showed that Lusi had contracted a severe illness caused by a parasite she absorbed while drinking the water from the community. After a second visit with these lab results, Dr. Sugasti put Lusi on a strong antibiotic treatment. Lusi is responding well to this treatment!
The Save the Embera Children Foundation contracted the most reliable laboratory who tests drinking water for the local governments. The test results were “shocking:” the level of microorganisms present in the water distributed in the community was 400% over the normal value. We realized that the entire community faced a new danger – it was no longer starvation that would kill the children from this community, but the water they are drinking! We provided a full report to the chief of the community and sent him all the water lab tests results, hoping he would alert the local authorities.
