Juana ((left) next to Paty Garibay) stood out to the PMC brigade as a remarkable student in her promotora classes. Though she lives in a small village miles from El Salvador, Juana walked the distance and arrived on time every day to complete her coursework. The doctors instructing her were amazed at her diligence and perseverance, totally committed to mastering each and every skill.

Quite a spitfire, with moist eyes, Juana grabbed the mic near the end of the graduation ceremony so that she could express gratitude on behalf of the promotoras to Tia, PMC and the Municipality.

Here is Juana with Laura, clutching her book, Donde No Hay Doctor (Where there is no Doctor) and her framed diploma. Right after this photo was taken, Juana explained with tears in her eyes how much Tia’s program will to her small village. Villagers had to walk for hours to see a doctor. Juana is so grateful that she now has the skills and materials needed to care for her neighbors. She told Laura to be sure to thank the donors, who she believes cannot possibly know how life-changing their contributions have been.

Juana is right! Even small donations, to cover the cost of first aid supplies, have a tremendous impact on the lives of these poorest of the poor in rural Mexico.