MAYRA Case

Palm Beach County​

​

​MAYRA is a Mexican girl who migrated to the United States at the age of 12 with her parents, two sisters and one little brother and ended up in Belle Glade, FL. They all entered public schools in Palm Beach County. Mayra, a shy, yet good student developed symptoms of very low self-esteem and later she was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. She underwent several treatments until her father’s health insurance ran out, and she was sent home. After she was hospitalized for severe malnutrition, her life was in danger. The Tepeyac Mission was called to see if a long term treatment could be found for Mayra. The Mission started a National search for a program that could be affordable to save Mayra. The network of professionals serving the Mission was called in, a task force was arranged including professionals: Dr. Samuels in Belle Glade, and Nutritionist Paula Triana affiliated with the School Board of Palm Beach County, and a Media campaign went off telling the story of Mayra: The Palm Beach Post made National news with the article “An unexpected Emptiness: By Christine Evans”, TV channels, and special The Florida Catholic, May 2004 published a profound and sensitive article by Linda Reeves. The word was out, and meanwhile, the Tepeyac Mission continued its search for an affordable treatment program (average programs were between $1,500 to $3,500 per day!). Finally, we contacted a heaven-sent program in Mexico City, that after several conversations The Ellen West Center directed by Dr. Aizpuro agreed to offer treatment at @$200 per day. First miracle. In the name of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we sent Mayra and her mother to their natal Mexico for treatment. Meanwhile, the Mayra fund was receiving an astonishing amount of $200 per day in small amounts during the first six months. More media campaigns, and then with Hispanic publications, Unidad Latina, La Palma, and another round of articles from Florida Catholic, some big donors starting sending significant donations, Margaux Miracle Foundation and Ms. Mary Ann Sansone. With all this support we were able to provide Mayra’s treatment for one year. By the end of 2005, Mayra received maintenance treatment while living in an aunt’s house in Mexico City, for another year. In 2006 Mayra returned to her family in Belle Glade to finish her High School studies. Later on, the family decided to join other family members to Dallas TX, where she finished College. Nowadays she is happily married. The Mission united in prayer and hope raised over $26,000 for the good health of Mayra. Thanks be to God and to the generosity of many donors.