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When the injury took excessive time to heal, doctors realized for the first time that Thompson had diabetes. Since his diagnosis, he has lost one leg, three toes and has a daily struggle with his vision.
Now 66, Thompson says he finds strength through his faith and community of San Ignacio. This struggling community donates money, time and food to help their elders.
"The poor people of the community help me by giving me $1 or $2, that is the way I make it," Thompson said.
Every day at 10 a.m. Thom VanDeusen from the Cornerstone Foundation, a nonprofit humanitarian organization, arrives at Thompson's home to transport him to the hospital where he receives daily treatments for his foot. Without this help, Thompson would have to take a taxi costing $2.50 U.S. each way, Thompson said.
The hope of one day being able to bring his grandchildren to the park and aid in their care is what Thompson says inspires him to work through his daily afflictions.
For the past three years Carlos received $2.50 U.S. a week from the Belize government because of his inability to work. On October 15 the aid Carlos received from the government stopped causing him to rely solely on the help from the community, Thompson said. His working condition has not changed. Cane in hand Thompson struggles to walk with a prosthetic leg and bandaged foot.
Not only does Thompson suffer from the daily strains of diabetes but he also has a tumor the size of a softball on the back of his neck. When Thompson's leg was amputated in 1984, a small tumor began to form and now has just become another part of him. Thompson says the tumor is not dangerous.
Through all the pain and suffering Thompson has encountered he still remains a high spirited individual. Thompson is grateful every day for all the help he has received from the community and for his life, Thompson said.
"We have to pray every day to the almighty father," Thompson said. "We can't see him but we know what he does. That's his job."
-- Jennifer Bowman