Children in the Philippines living in extreme poverty struggle to access basic necessities. Many families simply can’t afford food, water, or medical care.
Imagine being a baby and already knowing the sound of hospital doors opening again and again.
That’s Symon.
Before he was old enough to understand what was happening, Symon had already been through five surgeries.
He was born with hydrocephalus and spina bifida, conditions that cause fluid to build up in his head and affect the development of his spine. Because of this, Symon faces constant medical challenges, discomfort, and delays in movement. His head can feel too heavy for his little body, making even simple things like turning to his side difficult.
And still… Symon is full of life.
His mom says he’s starting to do something new: he can turn to his side sometimes, though not often yet. But he keeps trying.
And when people talk to him, when his family tells him, “keep fighting through every challenge”, Symon laughs. His mom says it doesn’t matter who speaks to him… he almost always smiles back.
When he feels uncomfortable, he cries and may refuse to feed. Gentle routines like daily baths and soothing videos help calm him.
But there are moments only a mother understands. When Symon cries, she doesn’t always know what hurts, so she stays steady and keeps loving him through it, because as she said, “they get their strength from us.”
His family of six is trying to survive on about $170 a month, and when the basics run out, his mom has to ask her aunt for help.
This fundraiser is for Symon’s basic needs, so he can stay nourished, clean, and supported while he keeps healing and growing.
If you want to help Symon, please donate. And if you can’t donate right now, sharing his story helps it reach the people who can.
Maya’s Hope works to improve the lives of orphaned, impoverished, and special-needs children worldwide.