Sending Love and Support to Families with Disabilities
Natalie Jean seemed to be a healthy baby. But her parents, Brittany and Ryan, could tell something was wrong by the time Natalie was just four months old. Natalie was battling many things—including external hydrocephalus, hypotonia, severe hip dysplasia, and an overall global developmental delay.
The first few years of Natalie’s life seemed like an eternity as she saw one specialist after another and needed multiple surgeries. Right before her third birthday, Natalie received an official diagnosis: Xia-Gibbs syndrome, which is a very rare disorder, with less than 500 cases worldwide.
Brittany and Ryan were overwhelmed with sadness, fear, grief, and so many questions. Without a miracle, Natalie would struggle her entire life and need constant care. All of the dreams Brittany and Ryan had for their daughter seemed to shatter.
Brittany left her career so she could be Natalie’s caregiver 24/7. Being forced to rely on one income with all the expenses that accompanied Natalie’s disability brought a huge financial burden. Brittany and Ryan, and Natalie’s two older brothers, started losing hope.
So, imagine their surprise when we asked if they’d be interested in joining our Respite at Home outreach in partnership with our local university’s nursing program.
“The first day the nursing students came to the house to spend time with Natalie, I cleaned our garage. It had been over a year since I had been able to do such a simple thing like that. I can’t leave Natalie unattended, and I certainly can’t allow her to be in the garage, even with me in it. She’s a curious five-year-old and garages aren’t exactly childproof. After I cleaned it during that first Joni and Friends respite day, I sat down on the garage steps and cried tears of joy, thankfulness, and unbelief. Our God was generous enough to send us help!”
Brittany
During future Respite at Home visits, Brittany was able to spend quality time with her boys. Natalie’s brothers adore her, but they need their mama’s attention, too.
“The Respite at Home would’ve been enough,” says Brittany, thanking Joni and Friends and praising Jesus for this blessing. “However, in typical God-like character, there’s always extra, overflowing goodness around the corner. We were able to attend Family Retreat in August of this year! From the very moment we arrived, to the small group Bible studies, to the precious volunteers that not only doted on our girl but also our boys… the over-the-top attention to detail on every need possible felt like a dream.”
“Since the retreat we are still receiving cards in the mail, texts, and emails from people around the country, reminding us that they love us and are praying for our family. During Family Retreat, the value of sitting next to people who know what it’s like to walk down the very same hospital hallways with the very same fears and questions—and know what it’s like to have a child that you feel like no one understands—is immeasurable. Disability is heavy and hard… Community matters, being seen and understood matters, and all of that happens at Family Retreat.”
Brittany
“We thank God for Joni and Friends Missouri—and the donors that make their programs come to life. You truly do hold us up when our strength is all but gone. Thank you, from the bottom of our weary souls, for being the hands and feet of Jesus—for loving your neighbors and helping us get through the day. We are eternally grateful.”
Brittany and Ryan
We’re thanking God for life transformations like Brittany and Ryan’s. And we praise him for spreading Gospel hope all around the world through our many Christ-centered programs. But our hearts ache over the tens of thousands of disabled children and families still desperate for help and hope in Jesus.
Would you let Jesus work through you today to reach these precious families with the power of God’s unfailing love?
We are depending upon the generosity of friends like you to help us reach even more people struggling with disability. Your gift will support all our Joni and Friends ministry, reaching vulnerable people who otherwise may never hear the Good News of Jesus!
Thank you for bringing the help and hope of Jesus to families living with disability. God bless you and your family always!
Support Joni and Friends Missouri
Your gift to Joni and Friends will promote Christ-centered friendships and create spaces of true belonging for people living with disability. Learn more about Joni and Friends Missouri.
