Every child with a disability desperately needs our support!
In our busy lives, it is easy to forget the families who face extraordinary challenges every day. During our September visit to the city and villages where MUCH massage therapists work, we had the privilege of meeting children with severe disabilities and the mothers who care for them. What we saw and heard touched us deeply.
For many of these mothers, caring for their child is a full-time, life-long commitment. Their apartments have been adapted around their children’s needs. Many have spent more than 20 years providing nearly constant care, with little opportunity to rest, travel, or simply take time for themselves. Some are emotionally exhausted. And when their children turn 18, government assistance, including diapers and humanitarian aid, is reduced. These families can feel as though they are left to manage on their own.
- full-time life-long commitment
- emotionally exhausted
- reduced government assisance
Yet during our visits, we discovered something beautiful: Your generosity has reminded these mothers that their children matter and that they haven’t been forgotten.
When we delivered the gifts you helped provide, we saw tears of gratitude. The power stations mean families can have light and essential electricity when power is unavailable. The clothing dryer helps a youngster with physical challenges whose mother needs to wash clothes constantly. Developmental equipment gives children opportunities to improve their physical abilities. And through MUCH’s massage program, children receive therapies that support their bodies, comfort, and development.
These gifts are more than equipment or services. They are practical expressions of love—and a message to parents that someone sees their struggles and cares.
A small moment that meant so much.
During one visit, we met Anya, a 23-year-old young woman who cannot walk or speak but understands what people around her are saying.
Her mother had prepared a meal for us, with Anya’s “help”. When we politely declined, Anya looked so disappointed that we changed our minds and agreed to eat with them.
We praised her for “helping” prepare such a delicious lunch. Her face brightened. She was pleased and happy!
It was a simple moment, but one we will not forget. Anya wanted to participate, share something with us, and know her contribution mattered. She experienced the joy of welcoming guests and receiving their appreciation.
- Anya participated with her emotion
- She experienced connection, dignity, and joy
For a moment, we were not simply visitors delivering gifts. We were sharing a meal and a happy experience with Anya and her mother.
That is what your kindness makes possible: not only meeting physical needs, but creating moments of connection, dignity, and joy.
Your support reaches children—and the mothers who love them.
The mothers we met were deeply grateful that we took the time to visit, listen, and understand their lives. They knew that the gifts came from people like you, people who care about their children even though they live thousands of miles away.
Your support of MUCH’s massage program also helps children receive therapies that might otherwise be beyond their families’ means. For more than 20 years, MUCH has worked to help children with disabilities improve their quality of life, physical abilities, and reach their potential. Today, that work also includes wounded Ukrainian soldiers.
- improve their quality of life
- physical abilities
- reach their potential.
Please take a few minutes to watch our video
In features some of the children whose physical improvement devices you helped provide, along with the MUCH massage therapists who work with them. As you watch, remember that behind every child is a family whose daily life is changed by your generosity.
Thank you for being part of their lives!
