When Gilberson’s father first brought him to the clinic, the tiny infant was weak, suffering from diarrhea and a loss of appetite. His father’s face was filled with worry—he had done everything he could, but his son was still struggling. He needed help, and he had nowhere else to turn.

Gilberson’s story is one of hardship, resilience, and the lifesaving impact of the baby formula program at the clinic.

A few months earlier, Gilberson’s mother had abandoned him after a dispute with his father. She left without looking back, leaving both Gilberson and his older sibling in the care of their maternal grandmother. Though elderly and frail, the grandmother did her best, but it quickly became clear that caring for two small children was too much for her.

Gilberson’s father, who worked as a gardener, visited as often as he could, bringing food and checking in. But when he realized his children were not receiving the care they needed, he pleaded with their mother to return. She refused. With no other choice, he made the courageous decision to take both children back and raise them on his own.

It wasn’t easy. Juggling work and childcare, he fought to provide for them. Then Gilberson fell sick. With no breastmilk available and limited resources, his health deteriorated. Desperate to save his son, his father brought him to the clinic.

Our medical team quickly determined that Gilberson needed specialized care and proper nutrition. Through the baby formula program, we provided him with the nourishment his tiny body lacked. His father received training on how to prepare and feed him the formula properly, and we scheduled monthly follow-ups to track his progress.

Over time, the transformation was remarkable. Gilberson began gaining weight, his appetite returned, and his overall health improved. Through it all, his father remained steadfast, never missing an appointment and doing everything possible to ensure his son thrived.

Today, Gilberson is healthier, stronger, and full of life. His father’s dedication, combined with the support of the clinic’s baby formula program, gave him a second chance.

This program is more than just providing formula—it is a lifeline for infants and a source of hope for struggling families. Thanks to generous supporters, babies like Gilberson get the nourishment they need to survive and grow.

His father expressed his gratitude with these simple yet profound words:
“Thank you for giving my son life. I could not have done this alone.”

Because of compassionate donors, Gilberson’s story is one of hope instead of heartbreak. Thank you for making a difference in his life and the lives of many others.