Life became a difficult struggle for Cristina when both of her children faced serious health problems. What started as a challenge for one child quickly became a battle for both.
Her first child, already with special needs, needed constant care. Then, Cristina’s world turned upside down when her second child, Jacob, began showing alarming symptoms— frequent vomiting, fever, dizziness, and a strong body odor. Jacob was diagnosed with Maple Syrup Disease, a rare condition that causes a distinct smell when leucine levels rise too high, which can even be smelled in his ears and urine.
“Caring for Jacob has been overwhelming. Despite my best efforts to feed him, he refuses to eat. His energy drops, and he’s not getting enough calories,” Cristina shared. As time passed, her exhaustion grew. She often turned to the Lord for strength, praying for the resilience to keep going.
Despite feeling tired and defeated, Cristina watches her son continue to fight. “Even as a baby, Jacob showed an incredible will to survive. I sometimes feel like giving up, but Jacob keeps fighting.”
The family’s financial struggles added more stress. Jacob’s father works as an electronics technician, fixing fans, TVs, and speakers, but his job is unstable. To help, Cristina started a small business, earning just enough to get by. Meeting their children’s needs, especially for medicine and food, became a daily challenge.
When things seemed hopeless, a breakthrough came. Their pastor gave Cristina the contact information for Operation Blessing. With faith, Cristina reached out, praying for help.
By God’s grace, Operation Blessing responded quickly, offering the assistance the family so desperately needed.
Cristina is filled with gratitude as she sees her children receiving the care they need. She is thankful not only for the help but for the reminder that God’s timing is perfect.
“Thank you, Lord, for everything You’ve provided,” she says, overcome with emotion. “Thank you, Operation Blessing, for answering our prayers. I pray that you continue to bring hope to families like ours who need help. God bless you.”
