Born in Crisis, Saved by Compassion: Esteban’s Story of Survival

When Blanca gave birth to her son Esteban, she wept. But they were not tears of joy, they were tears of fear. Esteban was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, and in their remote Guatemalan village of Las Pacayas, that can be a death sentence.  

Blanca and her husband were already struggling to survive, working the land, and scraping together what little they could to feed their two older children. They had no steady income, no safety net, only hard labor and the hope that each new day would bring new work. So, when she first laid eyes on Esteban’s sweet little face, the young mother’s heart sank, and her mind raced: How she would nurse her new baby? How would he survive? And if he did, what kind of future would he face?  

In a culture where birth defects are often seen as a curse, Blanca knew if her baby lived, his life would be filled with suffering. In their village, children born with differences are often treated with fear and rejection. On top of chronic health challenges, Esteban’s future would be marked by isolation, limited opportunities, and deep poverty. 

But Esteban’s story doesn’t end in heartbreak! 

Your generosity helped reach this family just in time. Because of caring donors like you, Advance Community’s local partners were able to provide Blanca with a breast pump, special bottles and feeding tools, formula, and the guidance she needed to feed her fragile baby. And they were able to connect Esteban with ongoing medical care and give him access to the corrective surgery he needs. 

Esteban is now gaining weight and growing stronger each day. Soon, he’ll be able to undergo surgery to repair his cleft lip and palate, a procedure that will change his life forever. 

Without your generosity, little Esteban might not have made it. Babies like him often face malnutrition, frequent illness, and even death. But with the right tools and medical support, conditions like his can be corrected… and futures completely transformed.  

That’s what you are making happen for babies and families around the world! Thanks to you, Esteban has a chance to grow up with hope, dignity, and the promise of a healthy tomorrow. And your kindness continues to reach other families in crisis, empowering mothers like Blanca, and proving that compassion changes everything.