Empowering Families with Support in Jerusalem

Sam is almost two now, and he almost never stops smiling. His story started at birth, when he suffered from a lack of oxygen. His mother says, “before he was nine months old, I recognized that he wasn’t able to sit properly, crawl or make any movement.” Yet she hesitated to seek treatment, as many in Jerusalem try to hide children with special needs.

When Sam’s development wasn’t improving, his mother took him to a pediatrician, and then a neurologist. Then came the final MRI result that determined Sam had cerebral palsy.

On admission to Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre, an institution of our partner, the Diocese of Jerusalem, Sam was able to receive the comprehensive therapy he needed — and his mother benefited from the Mother and Family Empowerment Program. She now proudly tells her son’s story to encourage other children and families in similar situations.

When you give gifts For Children with Special Needs, you not only fund treatment for children like Sam, you also help give their families the support and education to foster their child’s growth so they may thrive.

Sam is developing well into an enthusiastic and eager child — and his mobility is improving. His family often sees him practicing his therapies by himself at home. His mother always tries to build confidence in her son and sees a bright future for him.