Small Gift, Big Impact: Djidens’ New Stroller and Renewed Hope
Many Hands has been walking alongside Djidens, a courageous nine-year-old boy with hydrocephalus, and his mom, Stefani, for many years. Our commitment to this family has remained steadfast, and we’re thrilled to share a heartwarming update on how your support has made a tangible difference in their lives.
Back in 2018, thanks to the generosity of a Many Hands donor, we were able to provide Stefani with a specialized stroller designed to accommodate Djidens’ needs. This stroller was a lifeline, enabling Stefani to transport her son safely and comfortably. However, time takes its toll, and recently, the stroller broke beyond repair. Stefani reached out to us, sharing the urgent need for a new stroller to maintain Djidens’ quality of life.
Pictured Above and Below: Djidens in his new stroller.
Understanding the critical nature of the situation, and because of our long-standing relationship with Djidens and his family, Many Hands quickly rallied donor support to purchase a new stroller. We partnered with Missionary Flights International (MFI) to ensure prompt delivery. MFI graciously transported the stroller to Haiti, where Many Hands’ CEO, Tim Brand, personally delivered it to Stefani and Djidens. Witnessing the joy and relief on their faces as they received the new stroller reaffirmed the importance of our ongoing commitment to this family and so many others like them.
Pictured Above: Tim Brand embraces Djidens and Djidens returns the embrace.
A few days after the delivery, we received an update from Christi Gabhart, Many Hands’ Director of Ministry and Benevolence in Haiti, Djiden’s mom, Stefani expressed her deep gratitude for the new stroller, recognizing its positive impact on Djidens’ well-being. During Christi’s visit, Stefani also shared her concerns about their housing situation. Their current home, a stick and mud structure, is deteriorating, posing potential risks to the family’s safety and health. Even with those lingering concerns, Stefani was extremely grateful for the love and support her and Djiden have been shown. Her continuous worry goes to show the on-going issues in Haiti, but her hope also shows the resilience and determination of the Haitian people.
Pictured Above: Djidens enjoying his new stroller.
In addition to delivering the stroller, Many Hands provided the family with a food kit and laundry soap, addressing some of their immediate needs. The generosity and compassion of Many Hands’ supporters and donors have directly improved the lives of Djidens and Stefani. The new stroller has brought comfort, safety, and peace of mind to this family in Haiti.
Together, we can build a brighter future for many more individuals and families in Haiti.
It’s families like these who need us to keep reaching out. Please consider stretching out your hand with us to fund this initiative to provide resources to those with immediate needs. Give to Stretch Out Your Hand today!
About Many Hands:
Many Hands is an Iowa-based nonprofit creating local and global life-transformation by strengthening families. Established in 2008, the organization focuses on six key areas for transformation, including education, agronomy, leadership development, safe homes, medical assistance, and economic development. Each year, the organization reaches at least 25,000 people through their Haitian operations, IMPACT trips, and Many Hands four Thrift Markets located in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area.
Many Hands is called to transform together, to be love in action, in a broken world.
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