Ana María Matilla was born three years ago in Peru, along with a twin sister named Milagros. She has lived with her family in Armonizar for one year. In October 2003, Ana María was diagnosed with a hearing impairment. Says her mother of her condition: "I don't have any money, but I searched for places where Ana María could receive the treatment. She didn't speak properly, we couldn't understand her and she used to complain a lot at night, pointing at her ears, whenever I took her to the hospital they would tell me that nothing was wrong".

Ana María’s mother sought assistance with the TFW-sponsored project in Armonizar. A full range of treatment was needed to correct Ana María’s impairment: "In Armonizar, many doctors examined her and they explained to me what she needed and what each doctor could do, in her teeth, ears, they told me about the nutrition, therapies and surgery.”

Since her treatment with the team, Ana María has noticeably progressed. Her mother notes with satisfaction: “She has made a lot of progress in her speech therapy and she looks more cheerful, I think she hears better and that's why she plays more relaxed now."