Monday, January 26, 2009

Children with Unknown Neurological Disorder

During our mission last year, we were asked to visit a home in the Chunox village. In this home, a mother and father were raising four children from the ages of about 3 to 12. Three of the four children were showing signs of some type of neurological disorder. The signs appeared around the ages of 2-3 years old. We visited with the children and collected DNA samples to take back to Cincinnati for testing. Unfortunately, the testing couldn't identify the disorder. It appears to be very rare.

We visited with this family again on Saturday. Clarissa, the oldest girl, is very severe and has not eaten in about five days. She is completely motionless. The son, Roney, is now immobile but can still speak a few words. The second daughter is also immobile and is now blind. Rafael Cob (one of our primary local contacts and a local pastor) took us through the family's home (see video).

To complicate their life further, they are being pushed out of the home they rent and will have no place to live. We're working with Rafael to try and raise money to find or build them a simple home.

4 comments:

Paul Imhoff said...

Good Afternoon Melissa!

They are calling for snow and ice. All of the kids are already lobbying me to cancel school tomorrow.

Lindsey enjoyed girl scouts and Tyler also had a good day at school.

I called your parents to tell them you were doing well.

We love you and miss you!

Paul, Lindsey, and Tyler

Unknown said...

Mom and Dad Bell,

We love you and we're praying for you!

Love,
Patty

chelisa said...

Thanks for posting this video! This family made such an impact on me last year and I have thought of them often. It's great to have a look at them. Wishing God's blessings upon them as they continue to struggle. Bless you all as well.
chelisa

Robin said...

Prayers and love for this family and what they are going through. Pray that they put their faith in God - keep up their contact with the local pastor, and may God guide the Belize Team to a resolution to their housing needs.

In Christ -

Robin Carley