Children in the Philippines who live in extreme poverty lack access to quality healthcare. They are often denied assistance and are unable to afford necessities to improve their quality of life.
A message we recently received from John's Mother, Faith (October 20th):
“From the day we have you for my son there is now a hope that I can see. A light that somehow leads him to better health. Far from sickness and suffering. John will never experience again a famine. Now, there is more happiness on the face of my son John. “
“From the day we have you for my son there is now a hope that I can see. A light that somehow leads him to better health. Far from sickness and suffering. John will never experience again a famine. Now, there is more happiness on the face of my son John. “
Faith is a single mother taking care of John, a 15-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, and severe dermatitis. To earn money, she makes food to sell at the market. She cleans houses. She does odd jobs. There is no one else to take care of John, so he comes with her.
John broke our hearts last year when the Maya's Hope team understood that Faith didn't have anything to spare for John, so he didn't have any toys of his own. He would hold on to a container lid and would cry if anyone tried to take it away.
When Faith first reached out to Maya's Hope, John was so desperately thin. His cheekbones protruded and you could see his knees and ribs sticking out. His skin condition caused him to suffer needlessly. He sat in his wheelchair and was always hungry.
Faith did not have the money to buy his essentials. She was not able to pay the rent and was about to get kicked out of their home. Despite her many hardships, another of her worst fears was coming true – she would be on the streets with her child, who is unable to walk or talk, use the bathroom or feed himself. Although he was thin, at 15, he still weighed a lot for tiny Faith to carry on her own.
She contacted Maya’s Hope in desperation.
With the help of YOUR donations for the past 12 months, his mother was able to give John his daily needs. Without the pressure of having to find food for John, she was able to pay off her rent and rent a small house in a different location. The new location had some foot traffic, so she was able to start a food stall.
Lately, Faith has reported that John is even putting on weight!
Take a look at his before and after! (48.5 lbs to 85lbs in the space of a year!)
Although much improved, he is still underweight for his age. We need to continue to help in order not to lose the progress he has made.
We are raising funds for nutritious formula, oatmeal, diapers, wipes, and vitamin for John. This family still requires monthly assistance. Can you help?
Maya’s Hope helps disadvantaged children living in poverty and helps provide hope by instilling value and purpose in each child. We are celebrating 10 years of bringing hope to children around the world.