Natalia has CP. She’s from Moldova, Europe’s poorest nation, which doesn’t have the resources or social services to provide for special needs children like her. The first 15 years of her life were spent in isolation, with an alchoholic father as her sole caregiver. She is now 21. For the last seven years she has had the good fortune of being a regular attendee at Phoenix Centre for Disabled Children in Riscani, (pronounced Riss-cahn) in the northern part of the country.

Once regarded as little more than human furniture, Natalia flourished at Phoenix, developed abiding friendships, and become an integral part of this thriving community. Two years ago she became a permanent resident of Phoenix Home, the wing of Phoenix that provides accommodation for the elderly and those who, no longer children - and therefore beyond the state-mandated purview of Phoenix Centre - might be accommodated. The monthly cost of Natalia’s care, including housing, food, therapy, and medical care, is $450.

Because of the financial burden imposed upon MAD-Aid - the parent NGO of the Phoenix Centres -first by COVID, then by its care for refugees of the war in Ukraine, funds providing for Natalia’s care have run out.

The purpose of this appeal is to raise funds for her ongoing care so she may return to Phoenix where she is so loved, and her life one of personal growth and physical development. If you are touched by Natalia’s story - of which this is only the briefest snapshot - and wish to contribute to her support, you may make a tax-deductible contribution to MAD-Aid, a U.K.- based charity. On this link, you will be able to designate your contribution directly for Natalia. On her behalf, and that of Phoenix Centre, thank you and God bless!

​

​

​