Juan Carlos Defies Expectations With a Smile

Smart and smiley Juan Carlos lives with his mother, Marisol, near Chalice's Santiago sponsor site in Chile. The Good Shepherd Sisters oversee the sponsor site, working with families like Marisol's who face high levels of unemployment and lack access to basic health services, including healthcare and quality education.

Juan Carlos was born with cerebral palsy. When he was little, the doctors told Marisol that he would have lifelong severe mobility challenges, and would lose his hearing and eyesight. Marisol, a single mother, devoted herself to his care. As he grew up, he experienced mobility challenges, especially with eating. He needed special foods and medications, and the cost soon became overwhelming.

But as the Santiago sponsor site staff say, "In those moments of grief and despair, Chalice appeared, the moment in which their lives changed forever.

With the support of Juan Carlos' sponsor, Marisol could now afford the specialized food and medicines he needed. "When we entered Chalice [sponsorship], I received help and support for my child," Marisol writes. "I could safely buy the milk and a special oil that I needed and that had a high cost for me." She could now also afford a critical medication for his eyes that the public hospital did not cover.

Juan Carlos is now flourishing. The prescribed medication prevented his vision from deteriorating entirely. His cerebral palsy has not affected his ability to walk, play, and do independent tasks. Marisol says, "He likes to help me with the housework, he is very attentive and loving."

Juan Carlos enrolled in school and communicates well in sign language. "He is very smart, learns very fast, and always wants to know more and more," writes Marisol.

"Chalice was a hope for us," she continues. "I will be eternally grateful for the help you gave me and continue to give me."

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