Support Abandoned Intellectually Disabled Children

Dear Friends,

Thanks to your valuable partnership, we provided holistic medical care to 120 children with intellectual disabilities. This included preventative care, treatment of conditions like seizures, psychiatric medication administration, and provision of essential resources like nutritional supplements, diapers, and assistive devices. Our program comprised routine check-ups, hospitalizations, surgical facilitation, and medical camps, supported by meticulous medical and legal record-keeping, ensuring high-quality care.

Our physiotherapy program, served 50 children daily with diverse therapies. We addressed pain management, posture, and flexibility, utilizing appropriate tools to promote mobility and functional independence. Here's a quick look at what we accomplished.

• Managing seizures:42 children received medication to help control their seizures. 
• Supporting emotional well-being: 55 children received psychiatric medications to help them manage their mental and emotional health. 
• Boosting nutrition: 25 girls received nutritional supplements to support healthy growth and development.  All children received multivitamin syrup and folic acid supplements, as needed.
• Diaper support: 46 children relied on diaper support. Diapers were changed more than three times a day to maintain cleanliness and prevent sickness. 
• Hospitalizations: We had 14 hospitalizations and one boy underwent a thigh fasciotomy surgery. 
• Illness prevention through screening: While we conducted dental, menstrual hygiene, TB, and eye screenings, our commitment to preventative care extended beyond the camps. We prioritized follow-up appointments, ensuring children received the necessary ongoing support for their diagnosed needs, which is essential for their long-term health.
• 24/7 in-house and external medical support: To ensure our children have access to 24/7 medical support, we maintain a strong in-house team and collaborate with trusted external partners.
• Comprehensive physiotherapy program: Providing 5 hours of physiotherapy daily, including Saturdays, resulted in 1,440 hours of treatment. Therapies ranged from chest physio to gait training and electrical stimulation, with CP chairs aiding bedridden children in strengthening hips and lower limbs.
• Assistive devices for greater independence: We provided wheelchairs for 22 children and fitted 14 children with splints to help them with mobility and support.  These devices made a real difference, helping them move more freely and participate more fully.
• Equipped centers for quality care: Our medical and physiotherapy centers are now equipped to provide enhanced quality care. We expanded our medical equipment inventory with multipara monitors, oxygen cylinders, and a suturing kit, among other essentials. Our physiotherapy center now features specialized equipment like CP chairs, IFT/TENS units, ultrasound machines, and a comprehensive range of exercise tools, supporting strength, flexibility, and mobility improvements.
• Our multi-disciplinary approach to wellness: A team of specialists work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care for our children - doctors/pediatricians, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, mental health specialists, and caregivers.

• Empowered Through Care, Our Children Achieve Greatness!

  We believe in our children's capabilities and provide the tools for their growth. Their journey of discovering and developing their potential has led to extraordinary sporting achievements, and we are filled with pride! Here are their stories: https://mailchi.mp/dab01c6c78d3/meet-the-real-mvps

Ajay Kumar’s Story

Twelve-year-old Ajay Kumar, born in October 2012, has had a tough journey. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a baby, his father abandoned him and his mother when he was just three years old. Thankfully, Ajay’s grandmother stepped in to help, but on her passing, they found themselves living in an ashram in Kovalam. For six years the Ashram was their home. When it closed, they were left under a bridge.

A kind soul from a nearby school saw them and offered a safe haven. With his mother’s health failing, she requested the Child Welfare Committee to find Ajay a place where he could be cared for. And so, Ajay came to Sri Arunodayam on May 9, 2024.

When he arrived, it was clear he needed a lot of help. He couldn't stand, and his muscles were tight. Our physiotherapist began working with him. It was hard work, but he's making good progress. He can now sit and move around by dragging himself. He's also showing progress in special education, learning to read, match objects, and follow instructions. It's a testament to his strength and the loving care he's receiving. We're so hopeful for his future.

To our cherished GlobalGiving partners, thank you. Your support breathed new life into the precious children we serve. We are grateful for your belief in our work, and we pray for your continued support to bring joy and healing to even more lives in the year ahead!