Giving the Gift of Mobility
Donation protected
Just about a year ago, my husband, 3 girls and I decided to adopt Internationally. It is a bit of a long story on how God used circumstances and exposure for all of us to get our hearts to the moment of saying yes. It was about 3 years overall, but here is our story currently!
We learned of Dasha's and Leana's story last April "“ and their possible future "“ we made an immediate decision to adopt the six year old sisters. You see, the girls were about to be split up. Dasha has Cerebral Palsy, and was soon to be transferred to a mental institution, while Leana (who does not have disabilities) was to be transferred to another orphanage for older children. These two little girls were found together as infants on the streets of Odessa, raised in an orphanage together, and they were months away from being split up forever.
Dasha's CP affects her whole body with her legs being the most challenged. When we met her on August 1, 2012, she could not walk and her feet were pointed in a flexed position at all times. She has made great progress in just 6 short months, and she is so extremely determined to walk that we have high hopes that one day she will walk unassisted.
Today, Dasha requires a wheelchair & walker to move about. She has to have constant physical therapy to keep her muscles working with her instead of against her. Her therapist suggested we attend the Abilities Expo last month and check out adaptive bikes. Dasha was able to be fitted on a bike and pedal it around the big convention hall. She was thrilled! Dasha has been asking for the bike ever since! It would allow her to play outside with her sisters & other children in the neighborhood, the bike would help her to continue to strengthen her leg muscles for better walking and during our family outings she could ride her bike independently.
Dasha's Birthday is in 10 days - we would love to give the bike to her for her special birthday. (this will be her first birthday to ever celebrate & share with her own family)
Her best birthday present ever would be to have independence while playing. Thank you immensely for any gift donation.
The best way to follow Dahsa's journey & to see her progress is by "liking" her page on Facebook - Giving the Gift of Mobility
Blessings,
The Friedl family
Organizer
Bree Friedl
Organizer
Cumming, GA