By Jennifer Hughes | Founder/CEO
We recently met Rosemary and her mother, Joyce, at one of our food hamper distributions. These ladies faced daily challenges that most of us can hardly imagine. Please take a moment to read their story to understand why we had to step up immediately and offer whatever assistance we could.
When the Springs of Hope Foundation learned about their situation, we knew we had to act fast. Thanks to the generosity of a long-time supporter and the dedication of our local volunteer team, we were able to deliver a brand-new wheelchair to Rosemary just in time for Mother’s Day.
Now, Rosemary moves more freely, and her mother can finally take a breath, knowing her daughter has the support she needs through our washable, reusable sanitary napkin program, our reusable adult diaper program, and our food hamper distribution program.
This Mother's Day, we celebrate not only the strength of mothers like Rosemary’s mom, Joyce, but the power of community to make a real difference—one wheelchair at a time.
Rosemary was born in 1991, a bright-eyed baby who instantly became the center of her mother Joyce’s world. Like any parent, Joyce dreamed of a future filled with possibilities for her daughter. But those dreams were shattered just four months later when Rosemary fell gravely ill with meningitis.
For four agonising days, Joyce sought help from doctors, only to be met with uncertainty and misdiagnosis. By the time Rosemary was correctly diagnosed, irreversible damage had already been done. The illness left her paralysed, unable to walk, talk, or care for herself.
What followed was a journey Joyce never imagined. As the reality of Rosemary’s condition became clear, Joyce was met not with support but with blame. Her husband and his family turned against her, driven by superstition and fear. Branded the cause of her daughter’s disability, Joyce was abandoned. Left with no choice, she walked away from that life, determined to raise Rosemary alone.
The years that followed were marked by relentless hardship. Now 30 years old, Rosemary remains completely dependent on her mother. She cannot speak or walk, yet she is fully aware of her surroundings, responding with subtle but unmistakable expressions. Joyce has devoted her entire life to her daughter’s care, becoming her sole caregiver, advocate, and source of comfort.
Despite her devotion, Joyce lives in poverty. The only steady income they receive is a monthly government stipend of just $15—barely enough to cover essentials like diapers and food. To make ends meet, Joyce takes on odd jobs—washing clothes, running errands—always staying close enough to care for Rosemary. Every day is a struggle to stretch limited resources while ensuring her daughter’s needs are met.
Over the years, Rosemary has received three donated wheelchairs, each a symbol of independence. But her current chair is over seven years old, too small for her adult body, and falling apart. Its worn-out tires and outdated structure make it uncomfortable, but it remains her only means of mobility.
Joyce once held out hope that Rosemary could thrive in a special school. She enrolled her at Hill Special School, hoping it would offer both education and companionship. But the experience ended in heartbreak. At the end of the term, Rosemary returned home malnourished and swollen—clear signs of neglect. Devastated, Joyce withdrew her daughter, resolving never to risk her well-being again. From that moment on, she chose to care for Rosemary at home, driven by both love and necessity.
Every day, Joyce rises to the same challenges with courage and grace. Her love for Rosemary is unwavering, and her spirit remains strong even in the face of exhaustion and despair. Though Rosemary cannot speak, her presence says everything—her reactions, her quiet resilience, her ability to connect in the smallest ways. She is Joyce’s reason to keep going.
This is not just a story of hardship—it’s a story of love without limits, of a mother’s determination, and of a daughter’s quiet strength.
THIS MOTHERS DAY PLEASE DONATE
Links:
By Jennifer Hughes Bystrom | Founder/CEO
By Esther Wambui | Project administration manager
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
