Voinea Gabriel Patrik (Gabriel) recently arrived at Casa Maria and is being cared for by the team on an emergency placement.

Born in 2023, his life has been very challenging. His serious health problems were made worse by a bacterial infection. He has spent more of his young life in hospitals than in playgrounds. His vision is affected and his universe is built from sounds and what he feels. But he is special and his smile, when it comes, lights up everything. His doctor says his smile "Is how he reacts when he likes what he feels. When he is good."

Gabriel’s life will probably never be easy or simple but he is not alone at Casa Maria. The team are learning to understand him and every little smile is a magical ray of light.

Thanks to your support, we can ensure that children like Gabriel can grow and thrive. You can follow the stories of the children of Casa Maria on their Facebook page