Helping Kids in Ecuador (HKIE) Update
As the quarantine continues, unfortunately we are not doing surgeries at this time (unless an emergency comes up of course).
This past weekend we received a request for help from Sr. Veronica Kim ( who is one of our prime coastal contacts for children). She is connected to "Hogar de Jesucristo", a small orphanage in Azogues. This orphanage houses 16 boys and girls with four resident helpers. They receive no funding from any private foundations or the government. The orphanage was in dire need of extra funds to feed and supply necessary medication for these children this month. HKIE donated funds to help them through this rough time.
When things get back to normal, we will visit the orphanage and work with the staff on a plan to bring the children to Cuenca for full medical check ups. We will let the staff know they can call us for any medical needs the children might have in the future.
All those involved at Hogar de Jesucristo send our supporters their sincere thanks!

Two children who will grow up without the stigma of a cleft lip.
First is Stefano, a 3 month old from Machala (shown with his mother and father) and the other is 3 month old Yerek. Stefano, after surgery, was not a happy camper but he will be! Both families are so very grateful to HKIE and our supporters AND Dr. Pablo Salamea Molina and Hospital del Rio for allowing their boys a chance to have a normal life!

Pictured is 10 year old Jaklin with her mom. She lives in a little community outside Gualaceo, where most of her relatives are blind or have minimal vision. Her eyesight is so bad she could not read the board at school. Now with her new glasses, she will be able to keep up with the rest of her classmates.
Also shown is 14 year old Xavier...some may remember our first encounter with him several years ago. He had been told he was going blind and to start studying braille. Now, about 4 years later, while he needs exceptionally strong lenses, he is still able to see and keep up in school.
Many thanks to our donors and to Dr. Miotto and his staff at Exilaser for working so generously with HKIE.