I Used to Be You

Why should I make a donation to your inclusive playground project?

Three years ago I would have asked the same question. I didn’t have a child, let alone a child with a disability. I would have assumed that things like the American with Disabilities Act would make sure that children with disabilities had everything they needed. WRONG! I will be the first one to admit that I was wrong.

I used to be you. I never had a reason to even give something like this a thought. It didn’t have anything to do with me. Well, guess what, life changes. The sad fact is that this can happen to anyone at any time. A disability isn’t necessarily something that you are born with. One morning I woke up and I was a mom to a child with a disability. It isn’t something that I could prepare for, and I sure as heck didn’t see it coming.

We all say that we want the world to be a better place, but how many of us actually mean that? Change doesn’t happen by itself. It takes someone strong enough and brave enough to take a stand, challenging people’s perceptions. If you can’t do it, then support someone who will. I have given up months of my life, working so hard to make this project a reality; time I could have spent relaxing with my family and doing fun things with Giovanni. I made this sacrifice for my community, for all children with disabilities.