This is 5 year old Maria who has stomach cancer. She was being treated through an insurance company but the insurance has been cancelled and the hospital will no longer be able to treat her.
Guy Michael brought her to the attention of HKIE. One of our board members, Luis Galarza, contacted the father and Sister Veronica Kim who works with HKIE out of her Palmar clinic on the coast north of Salinas.
Sister Veronica will have Maria examined at Roberto Gilbert Hospital in Guayaquil, who will then make arrangements to get Maria into the Solca cancer hospital to continue her treatments.
The cost for HKIE should be minimal as most of Maria's treatments should be free. For Maria and her family, the biggest contribution from HKIE is how quickly our medical staff can get her back into her treatment schedule. With regards to her cancer, time is not her friend.
Your prayers and thoughts are requested for Maria. And thank you to all involved who took the time to help this little child!
Isn't she a cutie!

This is Stefania and her parents. They live in Canoa which was totally devastated by the recent Ecuador earthquake. While the father was out to sea on his fishing boat and Stefania was away at school, the family lost everything.Lindsay, from Café San Sebas brought Stefania to our attention. While previously diagnosed with epilepsy and fainting spells she began having increased health problems following the disaster.
Our Medical Director Dr. Pablo Javier Salamea Molina examined Stefania and referred her to the internist Dr. Marco Palacios of Hospital del Rio for a thorough examination. His preliminary diagnosis is severe thyroid problems accompanied by tachycardia...an extremely high heart rate. Stefania is having lab work done today and Dr. Palacios will be able to confirm his diagnosis. She will be examined by a cardiologist today.
​We will keep you informed of her progress. Meanwhile, we want to thank Dr. Pablo, Dr. Palacios, Lindsay Burton (who is also getting the father back and forth to Cuenca), Evangeline Pratt for housing Stefania's family, and John and Jean Smith for handling this case while we are in the states. And of course all our supporters who make things like this possible!
helpingkidsinecuador.org
Rostros Felices
Dr Pablo Salamea- Medical Director

HKIE KIDS #117, 118, &119 helped at our last mission to Ibarra.
Juanita, 15 years old, had rinoplasty to repair her nose. She can now breath properly and is very happy with the shape of her nose.
Marilyn, 2 years old, had a cleft palate surgery and will be able to speak clearly and chew her food properly.
Miguel, 3 years old, had his malformed upper lip repaired. His mother is very happy with his new look.All three sets of parents were very thankful that their children got the surgeries they needed.
Three apparently simple yet life altering surgeries for these children and their families.....all done with your support!
helpingkidsinecuador.org
Rostros Felices-Cuenca.
Dr Pablo Javier Salamea Molina