His Work Was Done: Caring for Don Gilberto 

Don Gilberto de la Cruz spent his life working with his hands… even after a tragic accident took one from him. 

From a young age, Don Gilberto supported his family as a carpenter in rural Guatemala. Then, at just 26 years old, he lost his right hand in a devastating accident that threatened his livelihood and his family’s future. 

But he refused to give up. Pushing through pain and frustration, he taught himself to build furniture with one hand. And for decades, he worked faithfully, perfecting his craft and providing for his wife and children. 

Four years ago, he lost his wife and his health declined rapidly. He faced diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, and serious vision and hearing loss. Walking required crutches. Wounds would not heal. Soon, working became impossible. He moved in with his son, a single father struggling to make ends meet. 

With no income and no government support, Don Gilberto was forced to make impossible choices: food or medicine. One or the other. Never both. 

Hunger and illness were wearing him down… that’s when your kindness came along and lifted him up! 

Through the support of generous donors like you, Don Gilberto began receiving monthly baskets of nourishing food, along with regular medical care, through Advance Community’s Senior Nutrition Program in partnership with AVIS Guatemala. For the first time in years, he was eating full meals and receiving the care and medicine he desperately needed. His strength returned. His health steadied. And the fear and discouragement that filled his days began to fade. 

With each basket of food, Don Gilberto is reminded that someone cares. And it has given him a new outlook on life.  

Every month, he waits with a smile for the volunteers who bring his food. They sit together, laugh, and share stories from his younger years as he speaks with gratitude about how God and people like you continue to care for him. 

After a lifetime of caring for others, Don Gilberto is now experiencing that same kindness in return. Because of you, his later years are no longer defined by hunger, pain, and uncertainty… but by nourishment, dignity, and hope. 

Growing older in places like Guatemala often means facing extreme hardship alone and unseen. Your generosity is changing that reality for men and women like Don Gilberto, bringing compassion, care, and the reminder that they are not alone.