OUR STORY

While on a personal vacation to Yaviza, Panama, the CEO of Children of the Jungle Inc. set out to explore ancient ruins, trek through dense rainforest, and experience the raw beauty of the jungle. What he didn’t expect was to discover a hidden tribe deep beyond the beaten paths — the Embera Tribe.

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During his time there, he met a man named Mecha Ruiz. Mecha and his wife live humbly with their five children in a stone hut. Despite their modest living conditions, their home radiates love, unity, and resilience. But life hasn't been easy for them — especially for their youngest daughter, Leiah.

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Leiah, just 2 years old, was born with Down syndrome and severely compromised lungs. The humid jungle air makes it nearly impossible for her to breathe comfortably. Her condition requires frequent medical attention, yet the family lives far from proper healthcare. Every 15 days, they make a grueling 7-hour boat journey to Panama City — the nearest place where Leiah can be seen by a doctor.

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Witnessing this firsthand changed everything. Moved by the strength of the Embera family and the urgent need for support, our CEO made a commitment then and there: Children of the Jungle Inc. would find a way to help — not just Leiah, but the entire Embera Tribe and now other Tribes in the Philippines.