Children in the Philippines living in extreme poverty struggle to access basic necessities. Many families simply can’t afford food, water, or medical care.
In the humid heat of the Philippines, a cool breeze isn’t a luxury for 4-year-old Zein; it’s his life support. Because of his Congenital Heart Disease, his heart has to work twice as hard just to keep him stable. When the temperature rises, his oxygen levels drop, he struggles to breathe, and the "Pogi" (handsome) boy who loves to dance begins to fade.
Zein is a child who finds magic in the ordinary. He’s known for "kidnapping" his mom’s phone to fill it with selfies and spending hours happily hanging up clothes on hangers. But his world has recently been turned upside down. A devastating flood destroyed their home and medical records, and shortly after, his mom lost her job.
Today, this family can’t afford the basic needs that keep Zein stable. They can no longer pay for electricity for fans or AC, leaving Zein to suffer in the heat that strains his heart. Their kitchen is bare, relying on borrowed rice and eggs, while Zein’s essential medical milk and vitamins have run out. He also needs medical clearance for dental surgery, but the family can’t even afford the fare to reach the hospital.
Zein doesn’t understand unemployment; he only knows when he is hungry, hot, or tired.
This fundraiser is a request for Zein’s basic needs, nutrition, vitamins, and essentials that help him stay strong and safe day to day, plus the support he needs to reach medical care.
Will you be the lifeline Zein needs to keep dancing? If you want to help, please donate today. And if you can’t donate right now, sharing Zein’s story helps it reach someone who can.
Maya’s Hope works to improve the lives of orphaned, impoverished, and special-needs children worldwide.