Children in the Philippines living in extreme poverty struggle to access basic necessities. Many families simply can’t afford food, water, or medical care.
Ashia is 2 years old. Every month, her mother measures her head, and every month, the number grows.
In April, it was about 21.3 inches. In May, 21.7 inches. Now, in July, it’s about 22 inches.
Ashia lives with congenital hydrocephalus, caused by aqueductal stenosis. Fluid is building up inside her head because it cannot drain properly, creating pressure that affects her comfort, sleep, energy, and daily life.
Some days, she only drinks milk. Some nights, she stays awake until morning. There are moments when she seems weak and without energy, needing her mother by her side at all times.
But Ashia is more than her condition.
She smiles when she feels safe. She reaches out to be held. She hugs tightly, leaning into the people who love her.
And through everything, she keeps fighting.
Right now, Ashia urgently needs surgery.
Her father works in construction when he can, and when there is no construction work, he earns extra income by driving a motorcycle taxi service to support the family. But they cannot afford the surgery on their own.
Her mother’s hope is simple: that Ashia can have this surgery, live longer, and one day experience life more like other children.
This fundraiser is for Ashia’s surgery and urgent medical care.
If you can, please donate to help save her life. And if not, sharing her story can help it reach someone who can.
Maya’s Hope works to improve the lives of orphaned, impoverished, and special-needs children worldwide.