HELP FOR MARIO

In February, 2011, Mario Valencia's life was that of any other 12 year old, kicking a soccer ball in the streets of Ajijic with his friends.  Then one day Mario returned from school complaining of a sore back and aching legs.  Within 24 hours, Mario's life was turned upside down.  The following day, he couldn’t feel anything from his chest down, had no control over bodily functions and couldn’t move his legs.

 

Mario was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, an inflammation in the spinal cord caused by a viral infection.  Unfortunately there is no cure, but with extensive physical therapy and anti-inflammatory injections he has begun making slow progress towards recovery.  Over the last three years some feeling has returned and he can walk slowly with the aid of a walker - but only to the corner of his street.

 

Tragedy struck again eight months ago when his father, Pedro, died. Luckily between medical insurance and the lakeside program Ninos Incapacitados, the family has been able to pay for therapy and medications. But everyday life is a struggle for the basics and Mario spends most days alone in the house.

 

 One thing that he has enough leg strength for is his golf cart.  His father bought one for the family, and it gave Mario a lot more freedom while it was working, but it currently sits parked in front of their house since they have been unable to maintain it.

 

Mario and his mother, Enriqueta, are our neighbors, so when we heard of their plight, we had to try and help. The main thing they need is to get the golf cart working.  It needs new batteries and it could probably benefit from some servicing.

 

We would also like to buy something to make Mario's life a little more pleasurable at home - a video game console or computer, perhaps. 

35% of patients who have suffered this condition recover fully, although in all cases, progress is painfully slow.  But no matter how much Mario recovers from his illness, he’ll never be able to recover this part of his life.  We just hope we can provide a little joy for him right now, along with hope and the knowledge that he is not alone.