Rowan Yates
My name is Maria, and I am Vexanna's mother.
I never imagined I would have to share my daughter's pain with the world to ask for help. As a mother, all I have ever wanted was to protect her. Today, I can no longer do it alone.
Vexanna was born with a rare condition called hydrocephalus, a disease that causes cerebrospinal fluid to build up inside the brain, creating dangerous pressure and causing her head to grow much larger than normal. From the day she was born, our lives became filled with hospitals, medical appointments, surgeries, fear, and uncertainty.
When she was only 2 years old, our lives changed forever.
One night, while she was sleeping, the pressure inside her head became so severe that the fragile tissue covering her skull ruptured. I will never forget waking up to that nightmare.
Fluid from the wound began to leak, and before I realized what was happening, ants had entered our room and started crawling onto my baby's head. Seeing my little girl in that condition is something no mother should ever have to experience.
That moment broke my heart forever.
Since that day, Vexanna has lived with an extremely fragile skull. Today, part of her head has little to no protective bone covering it. Instead of feeling hard like a normal skull, that area feels soft and incredibly delicate. Even the smallest bump or accidental touch could cause a devastating injury.
We live every single day in fear.
Hydrocephalus is much more than having an enlarged head. It can lead to seizures, severe headaches, vision loss, developmental delays, infections, mobility problems, and permanent brain damage if left untreated. Every day is a battle to keep my daughter safe.
Vexanna depends on me for absolutely everything.
Because of her condition, I cannot work. She needs constant supervision and care 24 hours a day. My days are spent taking her to medical appointments, giving her medications, caring for her delicate head, and doing everything I can to keep her alive.
While I care for my daughter, our bills continue to grow.
We struggle to afford food, rent, electricity, transportation, medications, medical appointments, examinations, and the daily supplies she desperately needs.
I never imagined I would have to ask strangers for help.
But when I look into my daughter's eyes and see her still smiling despite everything she has endured, I know I cannot give up.
If you can make a donation, no matter how small, you will be helping us continue Vexanna's treatment, provide the care she desperately needs, and give her the chance to live a safer and more dignified life.
And if you are unable to donate, simply sharing our story means more than you could ever imagine.
Thank you for opening your heart to my little girl.
May God bless you and your family.
With all my love and gratitude,
Maria, Vexanna's Mom
