Charity set up in memory of tragic Maia

THE parents of a young girl who passed away after being diagnosed with a rare genetic condition say the charity set up in her memory will be a “lasting legacy” of their much-loved daughter.
Joe and Gemma Baum, originally from Barnard Castle, have been working to establish the Maia Mouse Foundation, named after Maia Olivia, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer of the central nervous system in January 2016 and passed away four months later, aged 11 months.
The couple, who met at Teesdale School but now live in West Yorkshire, said setting up the charity was the best way to focus their emotions after the loss of Maia. The new charity will help other families who find themselves in situations similar to their own.
Maia spent the first six months of her life growing and developing normally.
It was at Christmas when Maia’s parents realised something was wrong and following a gruelling month in and out of hospital, she was diagnosed with an extremely rare genetic condition. Doctors said she could only have weeks to live.
“The hardest part was that there was nothing anyone could do, no treatment and nothing to save her life. As parents it’s the worst thing you could ever hear,” said Ms Baum.
Although devastated, the couple decided to make the most of the time they had left with their daughter. They drew up a bucket list, called The Adventures of Maia Olivia.
“There was so little we could do about her illness but what we certainly could control was her happiness. I’m confident Maia only ever knew love in her short life,” added Ms Baum.
The newly-established Maia Mouse Foundation will help families of children living with life limiting conditions by providing grants to allow them to enjoy trips and experiences they may not otherwise have had
It  will be officially launched on Sunday, April 30, with a sponsored walk, in Hawes, North Yorkshire.
There will also be a charity launch party on the same evening at the Jersey Farm Hotel, in Barnard Castle. Tickets for the event are £20 and include food, DJ and live music. To buy tickets call Gemma on 07729 983344 or Ingrid on 07812 949671.
The couple welcome anyone who knows them or has been touched by their story to  make a donation to the charity via their Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/cam paigns/charity/maiamousefoundation/maiasmemorywalk