The Gift of Carlitos

by Jeanie Conzemius
Our involvement with the Los Cabos Children's Foundation began when Tom Walsh contacted us through Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. He wondered if our family would host a seven-year old boy with leukemia, Carlitos and his mother, Elva. Carlitos would receive treatment at Avera McKennan and the family would stay with us for a few weeks. We agreed.

It turned out Carlitos was struggling with more than leukemia. He was also battling a severe fungal infection, a common side effect of chemotherapy. It went undetected and untreated, growing out of control until he arrived in Sioux Falls, due to the lack of equipment and specialty physicians in the Los Cabos area.

The Los Cabos area is well developed as far as tourism, shopping and the Internet are concerned. But medically, it is still third world. There is no blood, nausea medication, anti-fungal medication or pediatric oncologist available.

My family was eager to get to know Carlitos and his mother, even though we spoke no Spanish and they spoke no English. During the first ten days he was in the hospital, I was at his mother's side. I knew how sick he was and I could not imagine being in a foreign country, trying to understand another language, knowing my child could die so far from home. Before long, our entire family learned Spanish, and we are still fluent today.

Eventually, Carlitos and his mother were joined by his father and brother. During this time, Jon Madland donated a home in Sioux Falls where Carlos and his family could live. Named "Casa de Carlitos," in honor of Carlos, the home was decorated and furnished through volunteer help and donations. Today, Casa de Carlitos provides lodging for children and their families from Los Cabos receiving medical care in Sioux Falls.

Months passed, and Carlitos was recovering very well from his fungal infection with no sign of leukemia. He needed to be watched closely for the next year, so he could not return to Mexico, but he could attend school.

Unfortunately, in early September Carlos had a relapse. There was nothing more that could be done. Carlitos and his family flew back to Mexico with Tom Walsh on September 6. Through the generosity of a Sioux Falls couple, Paul and Shirley Cink, I was able to go to Mexico. Through the help of Avera McKennan, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Dr. Hanna and nurse, Pat Simmons, Carlitos was not in pain.

Carlitos died on October 6, 2003, at home in his bed. Father Luis Mesa came from South Dakota for his funeral. Carlitos' spirit and depth of understanding of life was very profound for a seven-year old. Although he didn't know it, Carlitos was giving himself to open up the doors for all the children who have followed. He inspired all those he met to reach out and help the children in need in Los Cabos.