Mothers Vigil Exposed in Mexicos Cancer System

Luisa Corral, 24, mother of one, spends her days monitoring her son’s health closely. In front of Juan de Jesus, also known as Juanito, she slowly moves a finger from left to right, observing his reaction with interest. The exercise is part of her daily routine, aimed at detecting any changes in his vision or behavior.

Juanito, eight months old, has been diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma, a rare form of cancer affecting both eyes. According to medical professionals, his right eye will need to be removed due to the advanced stage of the disease. The left eye, which still retains some vision, may also lose its sight despite treatment efforts.

Luisa and her family are currently staying at the Mexican Association for the Aid of Children with Cancer (AMANC) shelter in Mexico City. The shelter provides free accommodation and three meals a day to families affected by cancer. Luisa’s husband, Ricardo Quintín, works as a delivery driver to support their income, earning approximately 2,000 pesos ($112) per week.

The family has made multiple trips to the hospital for Juanito’s treatment, with each journey costing around 800 pesos ($45) in buses and taxis. The expenses are significant, and Luisa is concerned about how they will afford the costs associated with his ongoing treatment, including chemotherapy, which may begin soon.

At the shelter, Luisa waits with other families to speak with a social worker who coordinates hospital visits, transportation, and psychological services for children. The nonprofit organization provides essential support to families affected by cancer, but financial constraints remain a challenge for the Corral family.

Source: Al Jazeera