Child Success Stories

Cindy and Nassir

A Shared Hope for the Future: Nassir’s Story

by Cynthia Bauer, Kupenda Founder and Executive Director

  • Posted on December 13, 2022

In mid-November I was able to visit Kenya and had the privilege of spending a little time with a young man named Nassir and his family. Nassir is one of the first students Kupenda supported and is now 22 years old. He is a perfect example of how supporting one individual can benefit many! How…



Pendo 1

From Fear to Acceptance

by Sandra Bauer

  • Posted on November 28, 2022

Pendo (Swahili for “love”) is a young girl who was born with brittle bone disease that affects the development of her lower legs. Brittle bone disease, or osteogenesis imperfecta, is a lifelong genetic disorder that causes bones to break easily, even without injury. Both her mother, who is confined to a wheelchair, and her sister…



Photo of Samson standing

How Samson Accessed Life-Saving Surgery, Food, and Counseling

by Sandra Bauer

  • Posted on October 26, 2022

  Samson was born with cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus, which caused him to have limited speech, mild cognitive delays, breathing challenges, and a short stature. In addition to coping with his physical and intellectual challenges, his family also struggled to earn an income. Samson lived with his parents, four brothers, and two sisters on a…



Philip sitting

Philip’s Journey Toward Self-Acceptance

by Rebecca Heidorn

  • Posted on October 7, 2022

Philip has always had a curious spirit and a longing to learn about the world around him. Although school helped answer many of Philip’s questions, there was one to which he could never seem to find an answer: why was he born with cerebral palsy? This question disturbed Philip for many years. Fortunately, over time,…



Marlin in front of her home

“I Have Peace of Mind and Soul”: Parenting a Child With Hydrocephalus

by Lauren Blair

  • Posted on September 15, 2022

In 2005, Zawadi gave birth to a little girl named Marlin. Instead of responding with joy, her husband responded in anger–beating Zawadi until he chased her away. This is because, soon after birth, Marlin contracted meningitis which led to hydrocephalus, a condition that causes fluid to accumulate around the brain and interfere with healthy growth…



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