About

Meet Esmeralda Riquaic Sacul, a university student from NPH Guatemala, and hear her inspiring story.

Esmeralda joined the NPH family at the age of 3 after her father passed away and her mother was unable to care for her children. Despite being born with spina bifida and enduring many health challenges, Esmeralda is currently attending university to be an English teacher. She also works part-time teaching at a private English school. An active member of her community, Esmeralda founded an animal rescue organization, Huellas de Villa, where she rescues stray cats and dogs, fundraising for their basic and medical needs.

There will be a viewing of a short-film documentary about Esmeralda. The film won two Silver Awards at the 2025 Anthem Awards, with distinctions in:

• Education, Art & Culture: Documentary or Film
• Humanitarian Action & Services: Documentary or Film

Events

Friday, February 20, 2026
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Faces of Hope Luncheon
Michigan Shores Club
911 Michigan Avenue
Wilmette, IL 60091

Intimate complimentary event, space is limited. Registration with Heather Anderson is required. Please contact her at 312-914-9101 or handerson@nphusa.org

6 to 8 p.m. Dinner
St. Cletus
600 W. 55th Street
LaGrange, IL 60525

Saturday, February 21, 2026
Saint Mary of the Lake/Our Lady of Lourdes
4220 North Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60613

Mass Times: 4:30 p.m. (English), and 6:30 p.m. (Spanish)

Sunday, February 22, 2026
Saint Mary of the Lake/Our Lady of Lourdes
4220 North Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60613

Mass Times: 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 6:30 p.m. (English); 12:30 p.m. (Spanish)

All events are free to attend. We would appreciate your RSVP using the below form.

If you are interested in meeting with Esmeralda personally during her stay in Chicago, please reach out to Heather Anderson at 312-914-9101 or handerson@nphusa.org to check availability.