In the heart of Karatina, Kenya, a small yet powerful story of love, resilience, and community is unfolding. This is the story of Esther Kariuki, fondly known as Mama Pascalina, a 34-year-old mother whose life has been profoundly shaped by her journey with her first child, Pascalina. Now 13 years old, Pascalina was born with severe cerebral palsy. This condition has presented countless challenges but has also been the inspiration behind a bold initiative that is transforming the lives of many.
The Journey of Mama Pascalina and Pascalina
From when Pascalina was born, Esther knew her life would take a different path. Cerebral palsy, a group of disorders that affects movement, muscle tone, and posture, can present significant hurdles. For Pascalina, the condition has hindered her ability to speak, walk, and perform everyday motor tasks that most take for granted. Yet, in the face of these challenges, Esther has become a pillar of strength and hope for her daughter.
Raising Pascalina has been a full-time job. At 13 years old, Pascalina still requires diapers, as she will likely need for the rest of her life. Feeding, bathing, grooming, and caring for her is an all-consuming responsibility. Thankfully, Pascalina has a wheelchair, which makes mobility more manageable, but the care she requires remains physically and emotionally demanding.
Esther’s love and dedication to Pascalina mirror the struggles and triumphs of countless families raising children with cerebral palsy. These families face not only the physical and emotional toll of caregiving but also financial and societal challenges. Esther, however, has chosen to turn her personal experience into a beacon of hope for others.
Building a Safe Haven: Esther’s Home for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Understanding the struggles faced by families like hers, Esther made the courageous decision to establish a day home for children with cerebral palsy in Karatina. This home is more than just a physical space—it is a sanctuary where children with cerebral palsy can receive care, therapy, meals, and love while their parents go to work.
For many parents, the day home offers a lifeline. Cerebral palsy care is not only time-intensive but often expensive, making it difficult for parents to balance caregiving with earning a livelihood. Esther’s initiative bridges this gap, providing families with the peace of mind that their children are safe, cared for, and engaged in activities that stimulate their development.
In addition to running the day home, Esther has taken on the mission of connecting families with donors who can provide wheelchairs. Mobility aids like wheelchairs are often out of reach for many families, but they make an enormous difference in the quality of life for both the children and their caregivers. Esther’s efforts have helped lighten the load for many families in her community.
The Belwop Foundation Visit: A Day of Joy and Sharing
On October 31, 2024, the Belwop Foundation had the privilege of visiting Esther’s day home. The foundation, which has dedicated itself to uplifting vulnerable children and families in Nyeri County and beyond, brought smiles, resources, and a spirit of togetherness to this humble yet impactful home.
The visit was a family affair, with members of the Belwop Foundation bringing their own children along to join in the mission. It was a day of joy and connection, as children played together and families shared their experiences. The foundation brought essential items, shared resources, and extended its support to Esther and the families she serves.
The visit was more than just a moment of charity—it was a celebration of the power of community and the resilience of the human spirit. Esther’s work reminds us that even in the face of adversity, one person’s determination can ripple out to touch the lives of many.
Gratitude and a Call to Action
The Belwop Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to all its supporters who made this visit possible. Your contributions, whether in the form of time, resources, or goodwill, are making a tangible difference in the lives of children with cerebral palsy and their families.
Esther’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and community. It challenges us to look beyond our own struggles and ask how we can support those around us. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness, every action counts.
Looking Ahead
As the Belwop Foundation continues its mission to uplift vulnerable communities, stories like Esther’s inspire us to do more. The foundation remains committed to supporting grassroots initiatives like hers, which are born from firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the needs of their communities.
To those reading this story, we invite you to join us in this journey of making a difference. Together, we can amplify the impact of individuals like Esther, ensuring that children with cerebral palsy and their families receive the care, dignity, and opportunities they deserve.
Conclusion
Esther Kariuki, or Mama Pascalina, is a shining example of resilience, compassion, and the power of community. Her journey with Pascalina has not only shaped her own life but also the lives of many others. Through her day home for children with cerebral palsy, she is creating a ripple effect of hope and support that will be felt for years to come.
The Belwop Foundation is honored to be a part of this story and to have the opportunity to support Esther’s incredible work. As we move forward, we remain inspired by her example and committed to empowering individuals and families in need. Thank you to all who have supported this mission—your contributions are changing lives, one step at a time.
Let’s continue to spread hope, share kindness, and uplift one another. Together, we can make the world a better place for children like Pascalina and families like Esther’s.