Kristene Hebert's Story

I have a son, Markus, who was born on December 13, 1997. Markus has Down Syndrome and a seizure disorder that fortunately now is under control. Thank God. Life is always a challenge. There are always visits to the doctors, tests, and sometimes surgery. My son, however, loves life and is very social. He is such a jewel of a person. I take him everywhere, and he is a beam of sunshine to many people.

I always have disposable diapers with me -- my one very critical unseen item for Markus. Yes, they cost money, but it is worth every penny to give Markus and myself the freedom to do all he does. It is also very time-saving for me not to wash diapers -- I simply have more time for Markus and my family.

Speaking from experience, these very spcecial children and adults in Romania need the freedom, cleanliness for health reasons, and also the right to be clean and dry. It is so sad that so many everyday people are afraid of disabilities and shame our children and us as parents. Our special needs individuals need to be out there in the regular populations as much as the world around us needs them. We are all God's creation and blessing. Let us help each other in this one extremely practial need.

Sincerely,

Kristine Hebert