Little six-year-old Mathías has a smile that can light up any room, but his infectious joy is most apparent every time he steps into the San Pedro Dining Hall.
Mathías lives with his incredible mom, María, and sister, Nadia. He is always excited to learn and is finishing preschool at Mcal. José Félix Estigarribia School.
Both Mathías and Nadia have been a central part of the big San Pedro family for four years now. For Mathías, the dining hall isn’t just a place to get a nutritious warm meal — It’s an exciting place, full of surprises and much happiness.
While Mathías is making many fond memories every day, he says his absolute favourite memory happened last October, when the dining hall threw him a birthday party surrounded by all his friends.
He remembers how excited he was to be able to share his special day with friends. It was a day bursting with laughter, cake, and celebration — a wonderful gesture that filled his heart with gratitude, thanks to your generous support and kindness.
The San Pedro Dining Hall offers more than nutrition-packed meals, and it’s the impact on Mathías goes so much deeper than birthday cake. Mathías has learned many fundamental values there, such as praying before sharing food and the importance of camaraderie.
He says he is also very grateful to his mother’s tireless dedication and the incredible lady who makes meals for all the children, spoiling them with all her delicious food, made available through the Chalice feeding program.
Behind Mathías’ huge smile is the spirit of a true fighter. When he was just three years old, he underwent a successful surgery for a brain tumour. He still visits the hospital regularly for checkups, but it hasn’t dampened his spirit or eagerness to learn. Mathías continues to work hard on his homework and catches up quickly. And, he says he is very excited to enter first grade soon, stronger than ever.
“Mathías feels blessed and proud to belong to the San Pedro Dining Hall. His story reminds us that, beyond food, this space is a refuge of love, health, and hope for his future,” says Mabel González, the chef responsible for all the beautiful meals at the San Pedro Dining Hall.
Thank you for being the hope in Mathías’s story, and in so many other beautiful stories of children like him. We couldn’t do this without you!