Dante’s Story — Our Little Warrior

My pregnancy was completely normal. Nothing indicated that my baby would have any condition.

On May 24th, our son Dante came into the world through a C-section, during which doctors also removed fibroids and cysts. When Dante was born, the doctors gave us unexpected news: he had Down syndrome. On top of that, he had a blood incompatibility with mine, which meant he needed phototherapy for four days.

Just when we thought everything was under control, we were hit with another blow. The health insurance we had faithfully paid for three years decided not to cover either Dante’s phototherapy or part of my surgery. We fought, we appealed, and we provided medical documentation, but the insurance company refused to help.

In my country, there is no support system for families raising children with special needs. Dante requires daily therapies from Monday to Friday, and I made the decision to leave my job to dedicate myself fully to him. My husband had a stable job — or at least, that’s what we thought.

In October, he was suddenly let go without any explanation. Two days later, Dante got sick.

He started having trouble breathing, and by early morning we had to rush him to the emergency room. His oxygen levels were below 90. The pediatrician confirmed that Dante had respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and needed to be hospitalized. Those were some of the longest and scariest days of our lives.

Dante spent 15 days in the hospital, connected to oxygen and fighting hard to breathe. He responded well to treatment, and eventually we were able to take him home. We were so happy — until we received heartbreaking news: my husband’s company had canceled our health insurance, even though it was fully paid. We were left with a hospital bill of over $3,000. We sold our car and managed to gather some funds, but we still owe the remaining amount, which must be paid within days.

Shortly after coming home, Dante got sick again. We went to another pulmonologist — one of the best in Guatemala — who told us that the previous doctors had not followed the correct procedures and had given Dante incorrect medication doses for his age. It was another devastating moment for us.

Now, Dante is hospitalized once more. The virus is gone, but the improper treatment caused a condition known as PiBO (post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans) — a chronic lung injury that affects his ability to breathe properly.

Because of this, Dante must take several medications for months to help his lungs recover and prevent further damage. He is currently connected to a high-flow machine that assists him with oxygen and helps clean his airways.

His condition requires close medical monitoring, therapies, and continuous treatment. Due to his Down syndrome, his immune system is weaker, which makes every infection even more dangerous — but his strength is incredible. He keeps showing us what true courage looks like.

Dante is our only child, our greatest blessing, and the reason we keep standing strong through all of this.

We are now facing overwhelming medical expenses from two hospitals, plus the ongoing cost of his medications and therapies. Every contribution, no matter the size, will go directly toward Dante’s care and recovery.

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for your prayers, love, and support.

Dante is our little warrior, and with faith and kindness around him, we believe he will overcome this too.

En español.

Historia de DANTE- NUESTRO PEQUEÑO GUERRERO

Comenzó a tener dificultades para respirar, y en la madrugada tuvimos que llevarlo de urgencia al hospital. Sus niveles de oxígeno estaban por debajo de 90. El pediatra confirmó que Dante tenía el virus sincitial respiratorio (VSR) y que necesitaba ser hospitalizado. Fueron algunos de los días más largos y aterradores de nuestras vidas.

Dante pasó 15 días en el hospital, conectado al oxígeno y luchando por respirar. Respondió bien al tratamiento, y finalmente pudimos llevarlo a casa. Estábamos tan felices... hasta que recibimos una noticia desgarradora: la empresa de mi esposo había cancelado nuestro seguro médico, a pesar de que estaba completamente pagado. Nos quedamos con una factura hospitalaria de más de $3,000. Vendimos nuestro auto y logramos reunir parte del dinero, pero aún debemos el resto, que debe pagarse en pocos días.

Poco después de regresar a casa, Dante volvió a enfermarse. Fuimos a otro neumólogo —uno de los mejores en Guatemala— quien nos dijo que los médicos anteriores no habían seguido los procedimientos correctos y que le habían dado a Dante dosis inadecuadas de medicamentos para su edad. Fue otro momento devastador para nosotros.

Ahora, Dante está hospitalizado nuevamente. El virus ya se ha ido, pero el tratamiento incorrecto provocó una condición llamada PiBO (bronquiolitis obliterante postinfecciosa), una lesión pulmonar crónica que afecta su capacidad para respirar correctamente.

A causa de esto, Dante debe tomar varios medicamentos durante meses para ayudar a que sus pulmones se recuperen y prevenir más daños. Actualmente está conectado a una máquina de alto flujo que le proporciona oxígeno y ayuda a limpiar sus vías respiratorias.

Su condición requiere un monitoreo médico constante, terapias y tratamiento continuo. Debido a su síndrome de Down, su sistema inmunológico es más débil, lo que hace que cada infección sea aún más peligrosa, pero su fortaleza es increíble. Nos sigue mostrando lo que significa el verdadero coraje.

Dante es nuestro único hijo, nuestra mayor bendición y la razón por la que seguimos firmes a pesar de todo.

Ahora enfrentamos gastos médicos abrumadores de dos hospitales, además del costo continuo de sus medicamentos y terapias. Cada contribución, sin importar el tamaño, irá directamente al cuidado y recuperación de Dante.

Desde lo más profundo de nuestro corazón, gracias por sus oraciones, su amor y su apoyo.

Dante es nuestro pequeño guerrero, y con fe y bondad a su alrededor, creemos que también superará esto.

Creemos en la sanidad de DANTE