Meet Cristopher and her mother
Meet Cristopher, a two-year-old boy from Huancayo, Peru. He has West syndrome, an uncommon and severe epilepsy disorder. Coming to terms with his diagnosis was difficult for his mother, Maricxa. Like many families supporting children with disabilities, Cristopher’s family couldn’t afford the expensive treatments and care that he desperately needed.
Cristopher and his parents outside their house
Thankfully, Cristopher and his family found CMMB and he started to participate in the Rehabilitation with Hope program and has been getting the care he needs. Rehabilitation with Hope is a community-based service program in Peru, which assists children with physical and cognitive disabilities by providing much needed access to quality therapy, and is based on the implementation of the World Health Organization’s community-based rehabilitation model.
Additionally, his mom, Maricxa, has participated in the Healthy Houses component of CMMB’s CHAMPS initiative, which has helped her develop the knowledge and skills required to improve her family life conditions. She is proud to report her home is a safer place for Cristopher and the rest of her family.
Special thanks to:
- CMMB Peru staff
- Cristopher Pretell’s family, especially to his mother Maricxa Risco
Video crew in Peru:
- Camera operator: Milton Mendoza
- Editor: Max Masias Iglesias
Music: Good times from Freeplay Music, LLC.
En español:
El síndrome de West es un trastorno epiléptico poco frecuente que afecta a bebés, niños y adultos. Este síndrome afecta a Cristopher, un niño de dos años que vive en Huancayo. Fue difícil para Maricxa, su madre, y su familia aceptar el diagnóstico. Como es el caso de muchas familias con niños con discapacidades en el Perú, ellos no podían costear el tratamiento. Actualmente, Cristopher participa en el proyecto Rehabilitación con Esperanza, y muestra avances significativos. Además, Maricxa ha participado en Viviendas Saludables actividad parte de la iniciativa CHAMPS de CMMB, mejorando las condiciones de vida de su familia. Ahora, su hogar es un lugar más seguro para Cristopher.