Cynthia Bauer

How the Upendo Support Group is Helping Parents Care For One Another and Their Children with Disabilities

Kupenda’s Founder Reflects on 2021 and Shares the Story of Her Friend Nuru

by Cynthia Bauer, Kupenda Founder and Executive Director

  • Posted on December 9, 2021

Dear Friends, Nuru survived COVID-19 because of your support. Her cerebral palsy and other health issues resulted in her hospitalization when she contracted the virus. She was reunited with her classmates and family because of supporters like you. With little access to vaccinations in Kenya, COVID-19 rates have continued to soar, putting so many of…



Cindy with piano

Cynthia’s Song for Our Children and Families

by Kupenda

  • Posted on May 18, 2021

In honor of Mother’s Day, our founder and executive director, Cynthia Bauer, recorded this message and song about her niece, Ellie, who passed away in February at just 9 years old. Cynthia says, “The grief of losing a child is not unique…many of the families we support in Africa have lost children way too soon….but…



A pile of red hearts with a single pink heart laying atop it

What Does It Mean to Practice Love?

by Kupenda

  • Posted on February 25, 2021

“To be able to be loved is what we as humans all need to have. That is why we are called Kupenda, because Kupenda means ‘love‘ in Swahili and so many people around the world that have disabilities aren’t getting to experience that. We want to be sure that they get to be part of…



A woman playing guitar for a group of interested young boys

New Podcast with Kupenda’s Founder

by Kupenda

  • Posted on February 18, 2021

Check out a new podcast where our founder, Cynthia Bauer, talks with Jay Foss at Raising Your Inner Voices about how the Kupenda documentary reframes stigmas associated with children with disabilities. The film’s inspiring story focuses on 3 children with disabilities who climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Listen on Apple Podcast here, Google Podcast here or Spotify…



An adult woman smiling beside a Kenyan young woman.

Honoring Children with Disabilities in Life and Death: A Tribute to Jerald

by Cynthia Bauer, Kupenda Founder and Executive Director

  • Posted on January 11, 2021

Kupenda’s work includes helping families arrange funerals to honor the death of their disabled child and speaking at these services. Some people with disabilities have shortened life spans even when they have access to the best care. Jerald died peacefully in the loving arms of his dad, from Duchene muscular dystrophy. He was 25 years…



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