Yuri’s Story
Yuri Mendez is from one of the poorest towns in Oaxaca, Tierra y Libertad (Land and Liberty). Due to complicated political circumstances, the town is not recognized by the government and thus has no access to public finances, which translates to no schools, health clinics, roads, electricity, or potable water. In this context, Yuri was born and raised. She suffered hardships, including being subject to violence and, then abandoned, pregnant at fifteen years old, by her boyfriend. However, with the resilience of her and her family, she gave birth to two boys, and, instead of living in regrets, named them Angel Jesus Mendez Cruz and Angel Alejandro Mendez Cruz, her “two angels” as she shared with me. They are now both eight years old.
As a single mother, Yuri was forced to drop out of school and find work. At that time, she was participating in one of TASH’s nonprofit partners, Puente’s workshops on amaranth and nutrition for young mothers and children. Puente then offered her a scholarship and training to work in their retail sales outlet. Just when it appeared that she had finally found some financial stability, she fell ill.
Yuri was diagnosed with an infected gall bladder and needed an urgent surgical procedure. However, the public hospital informed her that there was at least a two-month waiting list. So, she went to a private hospital; and decided with her family that they would sell what they needed to sell or take a loan to cover the $1,000 cost. $1,000 dollars is a lot of money, and even more so, when your family income is only $500 a month.
Fortunately, TASH’s Director heard about her case and immediately contacted La Clinica del Pueblo. The medical team was able to attend to her and cover the full cost of her successful surgery. After two weeks of recovery, she was back to work, feeling healthy and grateful. In addition, she was not saddled with a debt and the emotional stress that can come with that situation.
From this testimonial, we are reminded of how critical it is to break the cycles of poverty, which are constantly impacting the human dignity, health and economic realities of people all around the world.
