Mari’s children were constantly sick it seemed, over the past winter, forcing them to stay home from school and miss out on activities with their friends. Mari struggled to treat terribly sore throats and inflammation, high temperatures, and flu symptoms. The family wasn’t able to buy wood; and the manure stored in summer is the only means of keeping the house warm.

But Mari suspected that the children’s illnesses were not only connected to the cold and damp weather.

I feel much better after the surgery- I am not missing my classes anymore because of my health problems

“I understood that all my three children needed treatment or surgery. But the small income of the family was hardly enough to buy food and to keep the house warm. We were postponing their treatment hoping for better times”, says Mari looking at her husband.

When World Vision Armenia’s Medical Outreach Team doctors came to the village the children underwent health check-ups. Examination results revealed that Fridon, 12 and Natalia, 10 needed to have their tonsils removed. Another examination on David, 11 revealed a problem with his testes, which could cause severe issues later in life if not treated properly.

“World Vision implements many projects in our community but the health project was of great help for my family. Doctors came and checked the children. They took them to Martuni town which is located 60km from the village”, says father Lernik Hakobyan, 38.

“The doctors were very careful with our children. When they checked Fridon and noticed that he has some complications, they refused to do the surgery immediately. Instead, doctors gave medicine and instructions for his treatment”, said Lernik.

“When the children were sick, I would make tea with preserves which was easing the situation but not curing them. Doctors helped our children to get rid of the causes”, explains Mari.

“I feel much better after the surgery- I am not missing my classes anymore because of my health problems. Now I can help my parents to take care of my siblings or play football with my friends as much as I want”, says Fridon.

“When we took Natalia to Martuni hospital, Fridon and David stayed at home and took care of the animals and the house. I am very proud of them”, says Lernik resting his hand on Fridon’s shoulder.

I know that she (sponsor) helped me to be healthy

“Natalia was very small compared to other girls her age; she didn’t eat well and was very thin. Now she has a good appetite and is more dynamic”, continues Lernik.

“I have a sponsor in France. I love receiving cards from my sponsor’s family and writing back to them. I wrote to her that even though I am afraid of injections, I want to become a doctor”, says Natalia opening the letters she received from her sponsor. “I know that she helped me to be healthy”, she adds with a smile.

“World Vision covered all the expenses related to the treatment of the children. We took them to the hospital, did all the analysis, and kept them in the hospital for the recovery period”, says Vardan Aghajanyan, World Vision Armenia Vardenis Area Development Programme Manager.

World Vision also provided the family with three goats and three sheep through its Economic Development project which will enable them to have a stable income and to buy the items they need most for their children.