Help Gabriel Thrive: One Child’s Fight for Education in Rural Costa Rica

Gabriel is a bright and kind-hearted 14-year-old from rural Costa Rica, born with cerebral palsy and raised in a community with limited access to educational and medical supports. He has faced language and learning challenges, bullying, and a system that didn’t give him a fair chance.

And yet — Gabriel dreams big. He has a spark that never fades, a love of books, a sharp memory, and an unshakable determination to succeed.

A recent full psycho-educational assessment confirmed what we already knew: despite being two years behind his peers, Gabriel has real potential. His challenges are not due to lack of ability — they stem from systemic barriers and years without the right support.

Thanks to support from caring donors, we were able to move Gabriel to a semi-private school at the beginning of the Feb 2025 school year. There, he receives personalized instruction in a small classroom environment, and he’s thriving. He’s making huge strides — catching up academically, rebuilding confidence, and dreaming of a future that once seemed out of reach.

But none of this is guaranteed. Gabriel’s future depends on continued access to this specialized education.

If you can help Gabriel stay in school, please consider donating or sharing his story today.

Our Goal: $25,000 USD

Your donation will help fund:

- Tuition at his supportive school ($500/month)

- Educational resources tailored to his learning needs

- A long-term education fund to help Gabriel pursue higher education

Every Dollar Makes a Difference

- $50 = School supplies

- $250 = Half a month of tuition

- $500 = One full month of personalized education

- $3,000 = First year of college savings

All funds are sent directly to the school with receipts provided to maintain full transparency.

What About Food and Basic Needs?

Gabriel’s family faces many challenges, but we’re working closely with local caring angels who support his single mother and help ensure food and household basics are looked after.

This campaign is focused solely on Gabriel’s education and future independence.

Why Help This One Child?

In Latin America, 19 million children live with disabilities, and many — like Gabriel — are systematically excluded from education and opportunity (UNICEF, 2024). In Costa Rica, up to 18% of children aged 5–17 live with functional difficulties.

UNICEF calls this a “profound societal failure to protect their most fundamental human rights.” Gabriel’s story reflects this — but it also shows what’s possible when a caring community steps in.

As one small example to share, last year, when someone donated money for his school uniform, Gabriel quietly used part of it to buy shoes for a classmate who had none. That’s just who he is. He too wants to change the world.

Why We’re Fundraising

We’re Sue and Eric, and this cause is deeply personal. Our son Tom, who had Down Syndrome, passed away in 2016 at the young age of 17. Supporting Gabriel is just one way we're continuing Tom’s legacy — lifting up a young person full of light, generosity, and courage.

We’ve already run small fundraising draws and received generous private donations, but we can’t do this alone.

Together, we can give Gabriel the chance he deserves.

How You Can Help

- Donate what you can — no amount is too small.

- Share this campaign with your network.

- If you can’t give financially, please consider writing a card or message of encouragement — we will deliver it to Gabriel. (Spanish or English)

Gabriel is not a statistic — he’s living proof of what’s possible when someone believes in you. He’s a young person with real promise, a generous heart, and the kind of spirit that inspires others.

Thank you for being part of his journey — your belief in Gabriel is the bridge to a future full of dignity, education, and independence. Your support can help turn his story into one of transformation, joy, and lasting opportunity.