When Maia’s mum found out she was expecting twins, everything seemed like a normal pregnancy. But at just 15 weeks, she received unexpected news: the babies had developed twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome – a rare condition where the blood flow between twins becomes unbalanced. At that time, doctors estimated Maia had only a 45% chance of survival.

A few weeks later, during a hospital check-up, doctors saw that Maia had stopped growing. They acted quickly, performing an urgent C-section to give both girls the best possible chance.

As the girls grew, differences began to show. By the time Sarah was walking confidently, Maia still couldn’t sit unaided. Maia became frustrated, wanting to jump, run, and play just like her sister, but her body couldn’t quite keep up.

One breakthrough in Maia’s progress has been a special therapeutic suit that helps relax her muscles and improve coordination. With it, she can do activities that were once incredibly difficult.

However, the suit is expensive and therapy costs quickly add up. Her mum knew that relying only on the therapy provided in school wouldn’t give Maia the same chance to progress as she has now.

That’s when Variety stepped in to help. We donated the therapeutic suit to Maia, which has transformed her life. Maia is full of energy, determination, and love. And with the right support, she’s reaching for more than ever before.

Maia’s mum said:

“It’s not an easy job you do at Variety, but thank you for existing, for the support, and for helping families like ours. You’ve made such a difference to Maia’s life.”