Renato’s Burns
This is from June 2018:
Renato and his family couldn't afford gas for their stove, so they attempted to use fluid from paint to start a fire to make food. They used too much and it exploded. Renato and his aunt were both badly burned.
Renato initially lost his memory and was unconscious, but he has regained both. His aunt will be released from the hospital within the week. Unfortunately, Renato only has a 15% chance of regaining vision in his left eye, and will be in the hospital for at least a month for all the serious burns all over his body.
The immediate needs that he has are mineral oil/medications, towels, soap, toothbrush/paste, deodorant, clothes (10 year old), extra large diapers, snacks, and toys to help keep him occupied for the next month.
Public hospitals in Brazil normally have quite a few patients per room, with each one having one person staying with them to care for them--often sleeping on the floor and going without food to do so. It is very hard to visit if you are not immediate family, so I doubt we will be able to visit Renato, but we would love to support those who are.
The biggest need that they have is for food for those caring for Renato. At the hosptial, only Renato is given food, but he doesn't want to be alone. His other aunt had been there with him since he was burned--and had't had any food until when our friends visited.
July 2018 update:
Renato is home and running around, playing soccer. We were able to visit with Renato, and he has regained vision in his eye! His ears are still very damaged, and his body is all bandaged, but he is moving around well, carrying an umbrella to make sure the hot Brazilian sun doesn't burn his sensitive skin.
We also saw his aunt, who I've known for many years, and is just a child herself: Mariana.
Mariana still has her arm wrapped up, as it was very badly burned as well. Please pray for her especially, as I know she blames herself for the accident. It was just two hungry children wanting to eat and not knowing how to properly start a fire: it makes my heart ache.
As you can see from the background of the picture above, there is still a lot to be done: much healing, as well as many needs. They still live right next to the dump. They still don't have money for gas for their stove, and so are making fires however they can to eat. It is really difficult to keep the wounds and bandages clean in these living conditions.
But we do not forget to stop and celebrate the miracles that God is doing. Thank you, to those who have given, and helped provide for the month that Renato was in the hospital!