Brave children of Pachuca await health and hope on Three Kings Day.

In the heart of Pachuca, a group of children and young people bravely facing the battle against cancer gathers at the Mexican Association for the Assistance of Children with Cancer (Amanc). This January 6th, as the air fills with hope and dreams, their hearts long for a very special gift: health. With the imminent arrival of the Three Wise Men, their prayers and wishes focus on regaining the vitality that the illness has taken from them. Jorge Martínez, a 17-year-old boy, is among them. His diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma changed his life less than a year ago, taking him from a normal routine to an endless cycle of treatments and waiting. “My biggest wish is to have health, although I also dream of a tablet or a drone,” Jorge confesses with a smile that barely hides his suffering. The Christmas festivities were spent in the hospital waiting room, where dinner consisted of chicken and spaghetti, a moment of normalcy amid the chaos. Jorge's story is not unique. Miguel, 16 years old, has been battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia for three and a half years. With over 120 chemotherapy sessions behind him, he has had to experience the darkest side of the disease. This year, his hope lies in receiving a computer from the Wise Men, a gift that would bring him closer to his dream of attending high school and becoming a veterinarian. Despite the obstacles, Miguel continues his education in the hospital, demonstrating admirable resilience in the face of adversity. In the same facility, Randy, a five-year-old boy who plays and runs with contagious joy, faces his own challenge with leukemia. His mother, Jazmín, shares the daily struggle, commenting that these days can be especially tough. “I don’t know if the Wise Men will arrive on time,” she says with a lump in her throat, watching her son enjoy life with the innocence that only children possess. However, her wish is clear: health for her little one, especially in a winter that has brought respiratory complications. The mothers of these children, united in their suffering, have found in Amanc not only a physical refuge but also an emotional one. In an environment where hope seems scarce, mutual support becomes a fundamental pillar. María Guadalupe, Jorge’s mother, reflects the mix of feelings that accompany this time of year. “I am grateful that my son eats and sleeps well, but there is an emptiness knowing that my other children are at home, waiting for the Wise Men to arrive.” The role of Amanc is crucial in this story. Covadonga Prieto Peláez and Iliana Orea, who lead the organization, work tirelessly to provide a supportive and caring environment for these children and their families. “We know when they arrive, but not when they leave,” Covadonga explains, underscoring the uncertain nature of hospitalization. With 18 rooms and a constant flow of patients, their mission is to ensure that children do not abandon their treatment due to a lack of resources. Early diagnosis and emotional support are essential for the well-being of these children. Iliana, an oncology psychologist, emphasizes the importance of understanding the disease and its implications. “Early detection can make the difference between life and death,” she states, highlighting that 80% of children with cancer can be saved if treated in time. However, symptoms are often confused with common childhood illnesses, delaying diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Meanwhile, life at Amanc is filled with small joys. Donations and community support allow for special dinners and events, including gifts for the children every January 6th. This year, each child, including Miguel, Jorge, and Randy, hopes for a miracle of health and continuity in their treatments, along with that toy that symbolizes hope and joy in their hearts. The stories of these young health warriors remind us of the fragility of life and the strength of family love. In a world where problems seem insurmountable, their smiles and dreams show us that, despite adversities, hope always finds a way. This Three Kings Day, with the arrival of the Wise Men and their gifts, these children are not just asking for toys but for the opportunity to keep fighting, to live, and to dream. Their greatest wish is for health, that invaluable gift, to come into their lives soon.