After seventeen years of silent abuse, Sonia Aguilar stepped into the unknown with nothing but courage and the clothes she was wearing. Facing fragile health, financial hardship, and the weight of rebuilding her life, hope seemed distant until God opened a door through Pan de Vida. Through a mattress that restored dignity, warm meals that brought daily relief, groceries, medicine, and support toward critical dental treatment, God’s provision became tangible. What once felt like survival is now becoming restoration, as Sonia and her son move forward sustained not only by their resilience, but by a community God used to remind them they are not alone.
TESTIMONY
Sonia Aguilar, a 52-year-old Ecuadorian woman, lived for seventeen years under her husband’s physical and psychological abuse. The mistreatment began subtly, disguised as jokes and followed by apologies, but over time it became constant. Blows to her arms and legs became part of her routine, always hidden so that not even her son, Juan, would notice. Her husband, a lawyer, controlled not only their home but also Sonia’s life: he did not allow her to study or work. Even so, Sonia chose to stay for her son, so that he could complete his education with the financial support his father provided.
But one day, after her son graduated from high school and fearing for her life, Sonia made the hardest decision of all: to leave everything behind. She escaped with nothing but the clothes she was wearing. It was then that Juan discovered the truth. He chose to leave his father behind and support his mother in every way he could. Juan now works at a printing shop, earning only $100 per month. Despite the unfair conditions, he dreams of becoming a lawyer. He was recently accepted into a public university and will begin his studies soon—a step that represents hope and a new beginning.
Sonia, despite the persistent pain in her legs possibly a consequence of years of abuse does not stop. Each day, she goes out into the streets with a resilient smile, selling morocho, mote with chicharrón, empanadas, and espumilla to bring some income home. However, her health has suffered in many ways. During the years she lived under control and restriction, she neglected her dental health, as her husband considered those medical expenses unnecessary. Today she faces the consequences: gum infections cause constant discharge, leading to overall discomfort, as she even involuntarily swallows the secretion.
Even so, mother and son have done everything possible to move forward with dignity. The daily effort is immense, but they know they are not alone.
When Sonia came to the Foundation, a door of hope opened. In response to their urgent situation, they were provided with a mattress that allowed them to sleep with greater dignity, and Sonia was enrolled in our hot meal program. We have also provided groceries and medicine, and we are working to secure access to dental treatment that will restore not only Sonia’s smile but also the health she deserves.
Today, at Pan de Vida, Sonia and Juan are writing a new story a story of courage, perseverance, and hope. Although the road ahead is still long, they know they do not walk alone. With the right support and the strength that unites them as a family, we firmly believe they will heal and move forward, together.
