Brianna’s Story

The Gift of Mobility: Luke's Story

By 7017444915 • December 23, 2025
For the entire beginning of his life, Luke lived life on the floor. We met him on our fourth distribution day in Kenya. His arrival at the site was quiet, but his story spoke volumes. Luke, 11, lives with cerebral palsy. Before he was brought to a children’s home for the disabled, he had endured years of neglect. He was tied up, unable to move around, and kept inside his home so his disability would remain hidden. When they found him, he was emaciated, in constant pain, and X-rays revealed a broken hip that had gone untreated for years. His caregiver, Don, brought Luke to our distribution site for the first wheelchair he has ever owned. Fitting his chair took more than two hours, but Luke smiled through every moment of it. He seemed to understand that his world was opening up for the first time. During the fitting, one of our team members stayed by Luke’s side, comforting him. She shared, “I spent a lot of time with him, praying and singing and just stroking the side of his face. And I think that’s one of the things that really got me, I don’t think he’s had much human contact. He would just lean into me, wanting me to keep going, and he grabbed at my hands like he didn’t want to let go.” Every wheelchair you help provide becomes a turning point - a chance for a child to sit upright for the first time, attend school, join their peers, or simply experience life beyond the walls where they were once hidden. For Luke, it meant being seen, supported, and cared for in ways he had never known. This Christmas season, you can give the gift of mobility and change a life forever. Your support ensures that the most vulnerable are not forgotten and brings dignity and hope to children who have endured far too much. Luke is not alone — children like him are waiting across the world. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40 You can change a life today. Every gift brings light into the darkness and gives children like Luke a future filled with possibility. Thank you for giving children like Luke, and so many others, a chance at dignity and hope. If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. We are deeply grateful for your support and prayers as we continue our mission to serve and uplift those in need.
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12-year-old Brianna loves coloring painting and music. In the summertime her favorite activity is – without question – playing in the water. She’s even been dubbed ‘the little mermaid’ because of her beloved pastime. Another part of Brianna’s life is her Angelman Syndrome diagnosis. Angelman Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system.

 

Brianna was diagnosed at the age of one and was raised at home by her mother Kandice. Around Brianna’s 7 th  Birthday Kandice met with Faith Hope & Charity (FHC – A division of Hope Haven Inc.) in Storm Lake IA to learn more about respite services for Brianna. However when staff heard of the comprehensive care and close watch that Brianna required at home they also provided Kandice with information about residential services available in an intermediate care facility for the intellectually disabled (ICF/ID).  

 

At the time Kandice was a single mom raising three young girls all on her own. When she learned that the ICF/ID at FHC was equipped to provide 24 hour medical services physical and occupational therapy speech and language therapy  among many other services  Kandice evaluated this new option with more thought. Additionally she took into consideration the “home away from home feel” of FHC and the growing level of care and attention her other two young daughters also required. 

 

Still Kandice grappled with the choice. “It was an extremely hard decision the hardest I’ve ever made ” she remarks. After careful deliberation she decided to move forward with the ICF/ID option for Brianna “I know my child  who needs an extreme amount of care – more than just one person can provide – is getting the constant care and monitoring she needs to thrive.”  

 

Brianna made the move to FHC in 2014 and has experienced significant growth over the past five years. With help from staff  she has identified methods and activities that are therapeutic and beneficial for her like sensory engagement. Brianna is non-verbal so she has also learned to use a communication board to share her thoughts. She’s continually working towards increased independence and more social activity.   

 

When she’s not at FHC she delights in time spent with mom dad two sisters and a brother. Her family comments on her playful spirit sense of humor and sweet demeanor. It’s also noted that when she’s away for long periods of time Brianna is eager to return to FHC. “She has made huge progress and now considers FHC her home ” affirms Kandice. 

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