Puerto de Golpe, Guatemala

Today I met Marta Julian Perez, a mother of nine children (5 girls and 4 boys) ranging from 1-18 years old. Marta said she wants to have more children because they give her life meaning and that she lives for her kids.

Marta came to the clinic put on by Vitamin Angels partners, Faith in Practice for her children, though she herself showed signs of the hardship suffered by many in the community of Puerto de Golpe. During her visit, Marta received prenatal vitamins, (as she is still nursing), and multivitamins for her young children. Her 2.5 year old was also able to see a doctor for her bloated stomach.

Marta has been coming to the clinic for the past 3 years. During her last two pregnancies she received prenatal vitamins, which she said helped tremendously. She is very grateful. As we talked, she held her youngest child, a beautiful little girl named Florida. Florida was happy and delightful baby who Marta told me had just had her 1st birthday the last week.

Marta’s commitment and dedication to keeping her children healthy, despite challenging conditions, was truly inspiring.

Our thanks to Julie Adamo of Univera for capturing this story while on a trip with Vitamin Angels.