From Malnutrition to Graduation: The Story of Genesis

One of the many beautiful and rewarding aspects of NutriFund’s work is documenting a child’s health journey.  

When we first met Genesis at the nutrition center, it was unclear what her future held but an objective judgement based on her physical condition was not promising. She had just turned a year old and was

severely malnourished from months of being abused in her home. The next few months were full of hospital visits as she struggled to get healthy and gain any weight. She was crying constantly and did not play well with the other kids at the nutrition center.

Slowly but surely though, she got better. Her hair filled out (see picture), as did her cheeks and the rest of her body. Surrounded by loving caregivers, she built strength and confidence in her body and mind. Soon she was walking and talking and playing like any toddler.

Still, she had nowhere safe to go. Her parents were incarcerated, and no other immediate family had stepped forward. For several years, the nutrition center became her home.

That changed last year when we were able to contact an aunt and uncle who did not know they had a niece. Almost immediately, they welcomed Genesis into the family and visited regularly with her over the next few months. 

At the beginning of this year, she was finally able to go home with her new family just in time to start school. 

Today, we’re happy to share that Genesis will soon graduate from Kindergarten!

We’re so happy to see Genesis succeeding in a loving and safe environment, surrounded by family, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for her.