My name is Rasheka, and I am a single mom raising my 13-year-old daughter, Maya. Since she was just 5 years old, Maya has battled a chronic illness called cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS).

CVS causes sudden, severe episodes of vomiting, nausea and pain that can last for hours or even days and often sends us to the hospital. There’s no cure, only treatments that try to manage her symptoms. Any small sickness, like food poisoning or a virus, can trigger a full episode and sometimes lead to admission. Watching her go through this month after month, year after year, has been heartbreaking, but she still manages to smile and keep her gentle spirit.

Recently, Maya was also diagnosed with hormone challenges that require ongoing treatment, and she needed custom braces that cost over $7,000 due to her condition. As her mom, I want nothing more than to make sure she gets the care she deserves, but the truth is, I can’t do it alone.

Over the past year, I’ve faced my own health struggles while trying to keep up with working two jobs and medical costs. Asking for help isn’t easy for me I’ve always tried to figure things out on my own but right now, I need a village.

Every donation, no matter the amount, goes directly toward Maya’s medical care and braces. Your kindness will help lighten this weight and give her a healthier, more confident future. If you aren’t able to give, please share our story it means just as much.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read about Maya, to care, and to help us carry what’s become too heavy to hold alone.