Rudy's story began amidst the lush mountains of Guatemala. He was born into a life that promised more challenges than comforts. His infant cries were not met by a loving family but by being passed from one extended family member to another, painting his first years with strokes of resilience.
 

As Rudy grew, so did the circle of his chosen family— Pastor Mike Megginson and American missionary Mary Purvis — who became his pillars. Once defined by instability, his life now found joy in soccer fields and his newfound siblings. Rudy's agile feet and infectious laughter crossed borders, from the heart of Guatemala to the neighborhoods of Costa Rica and even to the bustling streets of the United States, sharing his spirit across continents. Rudy never met a stranger. His infectious sense of humor won over everyone he met.

 

Tragedy struck on a seemingly mundane afternoon, transforming the tranquility of a simple pastime into a moment of loss. Rudy, at rest in his home, was unexpectedly killed by an act of violence, leaving a silence where there was once the sound of a television and his laughter. This senseless act of brutality birthed Rudy's Hands, a testament to a boy who played, loved, and lived with unabashed zeal —a call to action against the injustices faced by the innocent.