In 2005, Marian was born in the suburbs of Helwan, a poor community where families could barely support themselves. At a very young age she lost her mom, while the dad denied her, leaving her in the streets. Moreover, in Egypt it is considered an embarrassment to have a disabled member of the family so the baby’s extended family never acknowledged her as well. Marian was found by a Christian family and taken to the Philopateer Center in Helwan. The Center took Marian and cared for her along with the other children. She soon wasn’t acting normal and her breathing was irregular. Marian was taken to the doctor and tests showed that she had a hole in her heart. Surgery was essential; however, this lovely girl was too young to have the surgery.

While waiting to be old enough for the surgery, Marian spent her time being her cheerful self in the center. She was served by a group of young ladies that dedicated their time to the children of the Center. The Philopateer Center solely depends on donations and the support of Light For Orphans for food and necessities of the children. It is a three-story building with one room and a bathroom on each floor. There are currently 60 disabled people in the center being served by 10 ladies.

Recently, Marian finally had the surgery and is now capable of doing many things she wasn’t able to do before. However, both Marian and the other children in the center are in need of physical therapy for their cases and financial aid for their basic necessities that are difficult to provide. Additionally, the building has become too small for them but they are not able to afford the rent of a bigger building.

“Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’”
(Luke 18:15-17).

Seeing smiles in these children’s faces is worth the world.