Every Life Deserves Dignity, Hope, and Unwavering Support.
My name is Madonna Mascarinas, founder of Buhay Ko Foundation. "Buhay Ko" means "My Life" in Tagalog — because every life deserves to be lived with dignity, hope, and unwavering support. What began as a personal calling has grown into a mission to serve children, elders, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and families facing challenges that often go unseen.
Why Buhay Ko Was Created
I come from a close-knit family that always comes together in times of need. But what about those who have no one?
What about children and adults living with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, schizophrenia, depression, and other disabilities? What about elderly individuals losing their independence? What about caregivers quietly sacrificing their own lives and futures to care for those they love?
Disability does not affect only one person — it transforms entire families. Medical costs rise, emotional exhaustion grows, and isolation becomes common. That is why Buhay Ko Foundation exists.
The Families We Serve
We serve children, elders, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and families facing some of life's greatest challenges.
Many live in communities where support is limited, unavailable, or difficult to access. Through every outreach, we strive to remind them that they are seen, valued, and never alone.
Behind every family is a story of resilience. Behind every challenge is an opportunity to bring hope.
No One Should Feel Invisible.
Every person deserves dignity. Every family deserves support. Every life deserves hope.
How We Help
Buhay Ko Foundation walks beside each family with compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to their needs.
Financial Assistance
Helping families avoid choosing between medicine, food, and basic needs.
Medical Support
Providing support for therapies, equipment, treatments, and healthcare needs.
Psychological Care
Helping families process grief, build resilience, and find emotional healing.
Spiritual Guidance
Offering faith-centered encouragement, hope, and strength during difficult seasons.
Social Connection
Creating community support that reminds families they belong and are not alone.
A Mission That Began in 1998
My mission began in 1998 at the age of 21 when I was sent to Bohol, Philippines, to represent Circulo Boholano of Illinois (CBI), an organization committed to faith-based service and community support.
During that visit, I presented Bilar National High School with its first desktop computer on behalf of CBI. I also spent time serving children at Sunshine Home orphanage.
Those experiences opened my eyes to the needs of vulnerable families and planted the seeds of a lifelong calling.
A Purpose Strengthened by Faith
After losing my only child, Carina, in 2006, I faced one of the darkest seasons of my life. Through grief, depression, and personal struggles, God renewed my purpose.
As a registered nurse, I continued serving indigent families, prisoners, scholars, abused women, and individuals living with disabilities.
What began as a personal mission became a lifelong commitment to helping others find hope in difficult circumstances.
From Personal Mission to Foundation
Over the years, I expanded this work using my own resources and the support of family and friends.
The outreach grew to include assistance for indigent families, support for prisoners, educational opportunities for deserving students, and aid for vulnerable women and children.
Today, Buhay Ko Foundation continues this mission with greater structure, reach, and impact — bringing practical help, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Become Part of This Story
Your donation becomes medicine, therapy, education, and hope. Your time becomes a helping hand. Your voice becomes a bridge to another struggling family.
Together, we can ensure that no one feels forgotten and that every life — every Buhay Ko — matters.
Support the Mission
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