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ArturoA message to Project HANDS from Peten, GuatemalaArturo came to our outreach clinic in September 2006. In November her had his cleft lip repaired. After his surgery Arturo told his story to one of our Guatemalan friends. She wrote down his words and sent this letter to us. We translated it into English and this is what she wrote: Arturo Xol Xol, 28 years of age lives in Sayaxche Peten. He traveled for approximately 10 hours on a bus and walked for about 3 hours to make his dream come true. His life has always been very hard given that, besides being very poor, he was born with a cleft palate and hare lip. His family did not accept him as a child and he was always hiding from the other kids so they wouldn't make fun of him, and in some instances, even throw stones at him. Even his parents would hide him so other people wouldn't make fun of the family. He grew up and accepted his condition as a "marked" person, as he himself put it, and accepted with sadness the problem he had. Later he found a partner in life, who appeared to accept him and they had 4 children. But even she was ashamed of him, as were their children. He had thoughts of taking his life to stop suffering. About 2 years ago he heard that his problem could indeed be solved, but he thought he had to have a lot of money and speak Spanish, and he only spoke Que'qchi. |
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In September he heard on the radio that some doctors were coming to evaluate patients, they also explained about cleft lip and palate. He was very excited and told his family, but they were not supportive and told him he was going to die and it was better to remain as he was. One of his neighbours started collecting money, yet it wasn't to support him in any expenses he would have for transportation or his trip, but instead, to pay for his burial. This was very hard for Arturo, but in spite of it all, he was brave enough to go through with the surgery. He had decided he would try anything. 
When he arrived in the hospital, he began to feel valued, especially by the doctors and their team. He was sure everything would be OK. His message to you all is that even if perhaps he will never see you again, he will always remember you like some Gods who descended from the heavens and helped him change his life forever. |
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