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.
Rhowie is a 10-month-old baby boy from the Philippines. In September last year Rhowie needed to undergo emergency surgery due to intussusception (a condition in which part of the intestine telescopes into itself. Intussusception is a medical emergency involving obstruction of the intestine. It can be fatal if not treated. It occurs most often in children.) Rhowie had part of his bowel removed and doctors placed an ileostomy (an ileostomy is a surgery that makes a temporary or permanent opening called a stoma. A stoma is a pathway from the lowest part of the small intestine, called the ileum, to the outside of your abdomen).
The skin around Rhowie's stoma site frequently breaks down. Rhowie's parents aren't always able to afford ileostomy bags and place a diaper over the opening. Rhowie needs surgery to reattach his bowel and close his ileostomy. Can you help us improve his quality of life?
Maya's Hope celebrates 10 years of giving hope to children in need. Maya's Hope is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit based in New York City.