A seven-year-old boy from Tlajomulco who was seriously burned in a fire at his home on December 17 has been airlifted to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Galveston, Texas, thanks to the intervention of a well-known Mexican charity.
Mexico City's Michou y Mau Foundation stepped in to assist Ivan Guadalupe, who suffered burns on 70 percent of his body.
His brothers, José Gabriel, 3, and Cristian Omar, 2, also suffered first-degree burns in the fire and are in intensive care at the IMSS Centro Medico de Occidente in Guadalajara. Depending on his condition, José Gabriel may also be flown to the Shriners Hospital, which has one of the most advanced reconstructive and rehabilitative care units for children with burns in the United States.
Authorities are still investigating how the fire started in the living room of the boys' home. According to one report in El Informador newspaper, the fire began while their mother had left the house briefly to run an errand, leaving the boys alone.
The Michou y Mau Foundation was created by former actress Virginia Sendel after her daughter and grandson perished in a house fire more than 15 years ago. The organization raises money to assist victims of burns throughout Mexico.
In Ivan's case, the foundation has contributed toward the flight costs and the expenses of accompanying family members.
The Texas hospital usually waives the medical and hospitalization fees for Mexican children needing special surgery.
Shriners Hospital and Guadalajara have enjoyed a close relationship for many years. The Texas institution helped the the city's New Civil Hospital set up its own burns unit, which now attends around 250 children a year.