The story of Sergio was one of hope and trust.  It was the story of people who cared and a network of love. It was a story about a neurosurgeon and other medical specialists who donated their services to give a child a chance to survive.  It was a story of a hospital that accepted a child free of charge. It was a story of an infant born in poverty; the son of a shoemaker and a seamstress, whose plight opened hearts from Guatemala to New Jersey.  Most of all it was a story of a little boy loved by the Dudziec family, and it was the beginning of Healing The Children Midlantic, Inc.

Twenty-two years ago their life seemed hectic.  They had a small three-bedroom home with six children, three dogs, three cats, a rabbit and a pet pigeon.  Their Mom worked part time plus volunteered in many areas.  Yes, she felt confident that she had always done her share of volunteer work.  Little did she know what the future would bring. One evening as the family sat eating dinner the phone rang.  The woman introduced herself and said she received their name from Concerned Persons for Adoption.  She further explained that she was looking for a family that would be willing to care for a sick child while he received free medical care at a local hospital.  The child was a three-month-old boy from Guatemala.  And it was an emergency.  All through dinner the family discussed this child who needed help.  With six children already, where would they put another one?  Could they handle the stress of caring for a sick baby?  Would the children feel neglected?  Finally the decision was made.  Mom called the woman back.  “Yes, the baby is welcome.”  Her response was, “I knew you would.  He is  arriving 11:00 p.m. tonight at J.F.K. Airport.” Well, no time for second thoughts or cold feet; this family, without realizing what was about to happen, became the first host parents for Healing The Children Midlantic, Inc.

They remember the first glimpse of Sergio.  He had the biggest brown eyes and his smile was infectious. Sergio spent the next thirteen months in and out of two different hospitals.  As time passed, the entire family fell in love with him. Sergio could have easily died in Guatemala before ever leaving on his quest for life.  Instead, he came to the United States; his parents were left behind hoping and praying for him to have a healthy future. It soon became obvious to everyone who met Sergio that he was special.  Family, friends, his doctors and nurses all shared his joy of life.  However, that sharing helped all to realize that even a life so full of love and hope has its frailties. They believe their Sergio was a gift from God, but only loaned to us for a short time to help make them aware of the millions of children who need help.  They like to remember Sergio as a symbol of life.  Whenever a child is helped through Healing The Children it is because of one special little boy who will never be forgotten. In an age when people talk of nuclear families and lack of time, everyone needs to learn how to reach out to one another.  This story shows that people do make time and do help, because they care.  That caring transcends boundaries of nations and languages.  One small child can make a difference in our world.

Sergio died on July 14, 1982.  The memories of him belong to his parents and the Dudziecs.  His spirit gave joy and hope to over 23,000 children after him.  Sergio moved on to a better place, free and at peace.  But he will always remain the spark that lit the fire.

“It began with one child; today thousands of children are alive, healthy, and whole because Healing The Children is working on their behalf.”