In the Philippines, making ends meet is already a daily struggle. For families raising a child with special needs, that struggle runs deeper. The basics that most children need without question, food, clean water and medical care, are things many families here have to fight for every single month.
She is only 3. But Mary Celine's parents already know what it means to give everything.
Mary Celine Barroga was born with Down syndrome. At just 3 years old, she depends on her parents for every aspect of her care, from formula and diapers to vitamins and the constant attention that comes with raising a child with special needs.
Her dad works as a water refiller, and her mom runs a small sari-sari store from home to help make ends meet. Together they bring in around $182 a month. But their expenses run close to $328, and that gap is a weight this family carries every single month.
There are no savings. No relatives abroad. No safety net. Just two parents doing everything they can for their little girl and a 7-year-old brother, Emmanuel, growing up watching them try.
Right now, Mary Celine needs formula milk, diapers, distilled water, vitamins and wipes. These are not luxuries. They are what she needs to grow, to thrive and to simply get through the day.
Your donation can make a real difference for Mary Celine today.
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