She carries her son everywhere.

But she shouldn’t have to.

Maria is just 28.

Her son Zaid is 11.

They live in a tiny home in Máncora with Maria’s parents. As a single mum, Maria does everything she can—working as a cleaner or kitchen helper when work is available—but it’s never enough. She can’t leave Zaid for long, and she has no support from his father.

Zaid has cerebral palsy.

He once had a wheelchair… but he outgrew it years ago. Since then, Maria has carried him everywhere—through the streets, to appointments, and to therapy at the Mama Cocha Centre.

Every step is love.

Every step is pain.

Because carrying her growing son is breaking her back.

Zaid deserves to feel the world beyond four walls.

Maria deserves relief.

They both deserve independence.

💛 Thanks to the incredible efforts of our Team Peru 2026, Zaid will soon receive a new neurological wheelchair.

But there are more children just like Zaid.

Still waiting. Still being carried. Still without the freedom they deserve.

So we’ve created a Wheelchair Fund—to make sure the next child doesn’t have to wait.

✨ A small donation can change everything.

✨ It can mean freedom, dignity, and hope.

If you feel you can help, please donate!