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.
Riztine is one of the children sponsored through the Maya’s Hope Sponsorship program. Her tuition fees are paid for through Maya’s Hope.
She is a creative 12-year-old girl with a diagnosis of severe to profound hearing loss.
In April 2021, tragedy struck and Riztine’s father was involved in a serious accident leaving him partially paralyzed and unable to work or take care of himself.
Riztine’s mom was 18 years old when she had her. She contracted measles during her pregnancy. Sadly, Riztine's condition went undetected for the first seven years of her life causing her to suffer many developmental delays.
Her mother said: “I was wondering why she is taking awhile to speak. Since I am in the Philippines and I'm with older people, they said she's just probably late. I also wondered why every new year she doesn't react even with loud fireworks. Until somebody suggested speech therapy and my world crumbled realizing my child is deaf.”
Riztine’s difficulties are not enough to discourage her from her studies. She is determined to get an education.
The poverty-stricken family of 4 was able to get funding from a Philippine government organization and the First Hand Foundation in the US so that she could receive an operation for cochlear implants. Cochlear implant surgery was the best option for her to be able to hear, speak and learn.
Riztine’s mother cannot leave her children and husband to seek employment so the family is dependent on the help of immediate family, friends, and Maya's Hope to pay for their rent, utilities, food, medicines, and all basic needs.
Her cochlear implant now requires maintenance and battery accessories to work properly. The cost of the upgrade is $1850 US dollars. This is far beyond the family’s means and Riztine is afraid she will soon no longer be able to hear.
Can you help us get the equipment Riztine needs so she can continue to thrive?
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.