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Help Mothers and Children Know They Are Not Alone: Esther's Story
We recently met with Esther as part of our connections in Kenya. After Esther bravely shared her story with us, she left to go home very quickly. Why? Because as we found out, her son, Denzel, was at home. In the back room. Secured to the wall. Alone. And it had been a few hours…
When encountering situations like this, we feel a whirlwind of emotions: anger, fear, and a deep sense of injustice.
What mom would need to leave a child all alone, hidden and secured, without someone there to keep him safe and fed? The answer is a mom who has run out of options.
Your help is needed more than ever for parents around the world who have children with disabilities. We need to raise $114,000 by December 31st to keep our commitments to these moms and children who face numerous vulnerabilities!
People with disabilities in Canada face challenges for sure. You likely see the needs all around you, needs we are working hard to support and raise awareness about in Canada. But for moms of children with disabilities in poorer communities globally, life is often devastating and hopeless!
Esther is just one of many moms who face this reality
When a child is born with a disability in many countries, or disability results from lack of access to intervention, life falls apart. The dangerous stigma and myths, that disability is a result of witchcraft or a curse, result in cruel treatment and abandonment. Mom and her child are abandoned by fathers, family members, and their community. Now, as a single parent and only support for her child, moms like Esther and her son Denzel are denied support and left without a way to feed themselves, make an income, purchase needed medication, or send their child to school. They are left without hope.
You can give Esther and her son Denzel hope and a chance to belong. We know they have value too. Will you donate as generously as you can today?
Denzel was only 6 years old when he came home from school with a headache. He woke up the next morning convulsing. Esther rushed Denzel to the hospital and what she thought would be a one-time emergency turned into a three-month stay. Denzel suffered brain damage, and her beautiful son who once walked, talked, and enjoyed life like other children could no longer do any of those things on his own.
To make matters worse, Dad left, and their community believed they must be cursed and would not help. Esther couldn’t cope. She was sad, crying, and shouting in despair, instead of coming to her aid, her community called her “mad.”
Could you imagine how unspeakably painful this would be? Being blamed for your child’s disability and losing all your family with no one to stand with you or help you survive?
Many moms keep their children hidden at home as a result of the blame and shame. But thanks to faithful, caring donors like you, the pastor Esther met on the street referred her to one of our in-country local partners who helped her.
Thankfully, our in-country partners are equipped to help moms like Esther and children like Denzel. They equip teachers and pastors to find, welcome, and include children with disabilities! These passionate and hard-working partners work with local leaders, disability advocates, government, and faith communities, to bring change and fight the stigma and misinformation. But they can’t do it alone. Will you encourage the long, hard fight for moms like Esther and her son Denzel by joining their local efforts with a much-needed gift today?
For Esther, donors like you helped bring the first crucial intervention
Today, because of the support Esther received, she now has a small business selling eggs so that she can feed and care for Denzel. Esther and Denzel were given a new safe place to live because they had been living in poor conditions on the flood plain of the river where it was not safe. When you say “yes” to these moms and children with disabilities, you are saying yes to being able to survive, to be welcomed into an inclusive school or church, and to no longer stay hidden in the back room at home. You are saying ‘yes’ to moms being proud of their children.
Our next steps in a situation like this are crucial. We need to ensure that Denzel has access to a school or community program where his needs can be met. This will allow Esther to work, run errands, and take care of what she needs, without constantly worrying about his safety. We will also bring caregivers together—usually moms and grandmothers—of people with disabilities to form support networks. These networks will enable them to support each other and advocate for their needs. The need is great, and our partners are ready to serve, but they need your help.
Our most urgent need is to raise $114,000 by the end of the year to meet our commitments. These funds will sustain our education and advocacy efforts, provide opportunities, and will bring families together. We will use your generous gifts this Christmas and New Year season to achieve this goal.
The difficult truth is that we need to grow our ongoing donor support for our global work to ensure it is sustainable for the long term. We believe moms like Esther, and children like Denzel are worth it. That they too are made in God’s image and deserve the basic human rights to be cared for, loved and included. To belong. To matter.
Will you consider making your most generous gift today?
How to Give During the Canada Post Strike
The Canada Post strike is affecting our vital end-of-year fundraising, particularly our work helping vulnerable mothers and children with disabilities. As mail from us may be delayed, we urge you to consider an online donation or contacting us directly by phone to make your contribution to this effort. Your prompt support can make a world of difference right now.