Author: Rebecca Heidorn

More Than Leadership: The Transformational Impact of Cynthia Bauer

by Rebecca Heidorn

  • Posted on March 31, 2026

During Women’s History Month, we honor women whose leadership reshapes our world. Today, we celebrate Cynthia Bauer, Founder and CEO of Kupenda for the Children, a global leader in disability inclusion, whose work has transformed the lives of thousands of children and families. Cynthia’s journey toward disability justice began with a profound realization while studying…



This is Lucy, a young girl living in rural Kenya. Lucy was supported by Kupenda in different ways.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Walking Alongside Families Like Lucy’s

by Rebecca Heidorn

  • Posted on March 23, 2026

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to recognize and support people living with developmental disabilities around the world. Developmental disabilities are conditions that affect physical, learning, language, or behavioral development, often beginning in childhood and lasting throughout a person’s life. These disabilities can influence how a person moves, communicates, learns, or manages everyday…



A group of children and adults walk together along a rural road carrying a large purple banner that reads ā€œInternational Epilepsy Day – My Epilepsy Journey,ā€ participating in a community awareness march in Kenya.

International Epilepsy Day: Closing the Care Gap for Children with Epilepsy in Kilifi, Kenya

by Rebecca Heidorn

  • Posted on February 23, 2026

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in the world, yet it remains widely misunderstood and under-treated—especially in low- and middle-income countries. For children, lack of treatment can mean frequent seizures, disrupted development, exclusion from school, and life-threatening medical emergencies. However, with the right medication and follow-up care, many children with epilepsy can…



A person using a wheelchair works alongside others wearing safety vests and hard hats at a construction site, with teammates digging and installing materials near a small building in the background.

A Future Under Construction: Najibu’s Story

by Rebecca Heidorn

  • Posted on February 2, 2026

When Kupenda supported Najibu to enroll at his local polytechnic school—defying cultural stigma and barriers that often keep young people with disabilities out of school—he didn’t just begin a new academic program; he entered a season of growth, independence, and confidence. Today, he is thriving as a college student, building skills that will shape his…



Healing the Helpers: Addressing Secondhand Trauma Among Local Staff

by Rebecca Heidorn

  • Posted on December 17, 2025

Caring for others changes lives, but it also takes a toll. Kupenda’s frontline staff in Kenya regularly walk alongside families facing stigma, trauma, and profound hardship related to societal perceptions of disability. Their counseling restores hope, strengthens families, and opens pathways to inclusion—but absorbing these stories day after day places a significant emotional weight on…



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