Dear Sir,
The June 17, 2017 issue of the Guadalajara Reporter contained an article outlining the chronic kidney failure, especially among children, in some of the villages on or near Lake Chapala.
Since then there have been more studies conducted as to the causes.
It is the general consensus among those who have conducted tests and interviews in these areas that the primary causes of these kidney failures may be linked to water, diet, genetics and lack of education.
With this in mind, a partnership have developed between Dr. Todd Stong, who has been working on water issues around the lake for several years, the Lakeside Presbyterian Church (presently providing nutritious meals for several villages around Lake Chapala), and the Tepehua Centro Comunitario A.C., which has a proven track record of educating people in economically challenged zones about maternity, dental care, the value of education and other matters.
Within the last month work has begun to establish a community center in La Zapotera – one of the villages mentioned in the Reporter article.
A water filtration system, community kitchen and education opportunities are presently in the planning stages for La Zapotera and it is hoped that this will be the beginning of a longer term solution to solving this difficult problem.
Dr. Stong will be touching on some of these issues at the Lake Chapala Society Open Circle talk Sunday, March 4, 10:30 a.m.
A private donor has generously offered to match up to 100,000 pesos in donations from the community for help in these depressed areas. Donations can be made in cash, check or paypal. Cash or check made out to Tepehua Centro Comunitario AC (specify “outreach program”) can be dropped off at the Tepehua Treasures Store on the Carretera in Riberas del Pilar.
You can also donate by Paypal account: DHSBC4052323789.
A fund-raiser to benefit Tepehua and the outreach programs will be held April 3 at the Sunrise Restaurant.
For further information, email Harvey, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 603-923-8893 (U.S. cell).
Harvey Bernier