Mari is a single mother and has 3 children, one of whom is Javier. Javier is 15 years old and has Down syndrome. Mari’s husband left her when Javier was born. He refused to look after his own son.
Mari and her children lived in San Pedro Sula where their family was terrorised by gangs. Mari had to pay a tax, like rent she says, to the gangs in the area. When she couldn’t pay, gang members burned down her house and murdered her two brothers. She has scars on her hands which she says were caused by the gangs.
She left Honduras to make a better life for her other children. She brought Javier with her on the journey and left the other two behind with family. She hopes to bring them to the US when she has more money.
Travelling with Javier has been very difficult but it has its benefits. People offer food and items for her and Javier because he is “special” she says. However, Javier is also a target for discrimination. People physically and verbally abuse him. They push him out of the lines for food. This happened in Honduras too.
Javier was born with hydrocephalus, a condition where excess fluid collects in the brain. He easily gets dizzy and complains of headaches. He suffers regular seizures, but Mari can’t afford his anticonvulsant medication. Doctors have told María that he needs surgery, but she’s never had the money.
Mari and Javier want to apply for asylum in the US.
