TSEINAN
Empowering Vulnerable Families in Chiapas: Comprehensive Care for Cleft Lip and Palate
We support vulnerable children in Chiapas by providing comprehensive care for those with cleft lip and palate.
We are an interdisciplinary team dedicated to the optimal development of individuals with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) by creating networks and providing comprehensive care.
Every year in Chiapas, more than 200 babies are born with cleft lip and palate, the majority of them living in poverty and facing very precarious health conditions. Tseinan provides support from birth to these families who face challenges, from accepting a baby with a facial malformation to addressing feeding difficulties due to poor sucking strength, as well as the difficult access to surgery payment. We work with dedicated volunteers who help us deliver monthly check-ups for nutrition, lactation, pediatrics, surgery, dental care, and surgeries as they are scheduled, supporting and accompanying families on this journey. Join us in making a difference—your support can transform lives and provide essential care for these children and their families.
In 2024, we formed a partnership with Habitat for Humanity and were able to build 5 kitchens with ecological stoves. But that’s not all; the impact in the community is reflected in the 128 surgeries and comprehensive treatments we provide. Each month, families come to Tseinan for their comprehensive follow-up and care. They are seen by 7 specialists. However, we do not build directly in the communities—only through Habitat.
New born to 3 years: 62 From 4 to 6 years: 50 From 7 to 12: 9 From 13-17: 7 All the babies and children we have in Tseinan are vulnerable, as they come from moderate to extreme poverty. 90% of our families are indigenous families. We have a population from over 50 municipalities in Chiapas. The average travel time for our families to reach the center is 4 hours, which also represents a significant expense for the families. And all of them hace CLEFT LIP and Palate.
Real Stories of Impact
Your Donation at Work
"Miguel Ángel arrived at Tseinan at 2 months old in a state of severe malnutrition. Amalia, a 16-year-old single mother, received comprehensive care and, above all, a lot of emotional support. Thanks to Amalia's efforts and constant support, Miguel Ángel continued his treatment. He has begun to say his first words; today he is a happy, active child full of energy. He now walks all around Tseinan. This case reflects the importance of timely interdisciplinary care and family commitment in transforming lives."- Amalia Patishtan Lopez
Mother of Miguel Angel
"I found out about Sebastián's diagnosis during my last ultrasound, and I felt lost, not knowing what to do. I was worried about how to feed him. My partner got in touch with Daniela, and a week after his birth, Tseinan called us to see how he was doing. I thought I was feeding him well, but he was actually malnourished. Fortunately, Tseinan helped us with bottles, pediatric follow-up, and nutritional support. Today we are happy. Sebastián has already undergone his two surgeries for his lip and palate. Thank you, Tseinan, for accompanying us on this journey!"- Martina Lopez Hernandez
Sebastian's Mother
"When my baby was born, we suffered a lot because we didn’t know how we were going to feed her or if she would survive. A neighbor came and told me that this girl would be of no use and offered to buy her for 2,000 pesos. The truth is, I did consider selling her, even though it pains me to admit it, but we didn’t know what to do and thought she might die. Until I managed to sell a block I had at home, and with that money I made it to Palenque, where some doctors gave me the number for Tseinan. That’s how I got here, where they have supported us tremendously from the beginning. My Ximena has already had two surgeries, speaks very well, and we continue coming for her follow-up. Thank you, Tseinan, because no one had treated us this way, not even my own family."- Alfredo Gomez Mendoza
Ximena´s Father