My name is Ramina. I am the mother of four wonderful children, and three of my sons live with me now — Evert (11 years old), Ernest (who will turn 7 in November) and Theo (5 years old). Please allow me to address you a second time.
My middle son, Ernest, was born with a rare genetic disorder called FOXP1 syndrome. It affects his speech, development and muscles, requiring constant complex therapy. Almost every day, we travel to Riga, where he visits speech therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, specialists in motor therapy, dance and movement therapy, ABA therapy, and also goes to the swimming pool. Almost once a year, and sometimes even less often, we have to travel to Germany for orthoses and a hyperbaric suit.
Therapy costs between 20,000 and 22,000 euros per year. On top of that, we have to feed the children, clothe them, repair the car, and pay the bills. I live in constant tension and fear: will I be able to pay for everything, will I be able to give my children everything they need? This concern for Ernest often deprives his brothers of attention. Theo, my youngest, is a very sensitive child. Because of everything that is happening in our family and attending therapy with us, he has been diagnosed with selective mutism — he has withdrawn into himself and become an introvert. He finds it difficult to open up and communicate, so he also needs special classes and support.
Evert, my eldest, has become a little man. When I'm not around, he cooks, does the laundry, helps around the house, and takes care of his younger siblings. He is very talented — he rows, attends music school, sings, and plays the drums and xylophone. But I can see that behind all this activity, he hides his sadness and pain at not having his father around.
My husband left when I was pregnant with our fourth child, came back briefly, and then disappeared again. He hasn't been in touch for four years — no phone calls, no interest, no concern. I work nights at banquets and concerts. It is seasonal work, but it helps us stay afloat. Last time we turned to you, the holiday in Cyprus was a breath of fresh air for us. We came back inspired, with new strength, and were able to do much more than we thought possible before.
We greatly respect and love the Rainbow foundation in Cyprus. We sincerely cheer for every family that gets the opportunity to visit you. We follow their stories with warmth and compassion, and this gives us emotional strength. We celebrate their happiness as if it were our own, and we believe that someday we will be able to be among such happy families again. Please give us a chance to breathe deeply again. For us, it will not just be a trip. It will be a breath of fresh air. It will give the children back their mother with shining eyes, and me — strength and faith that we will cope.
With respect and gratitude,
Ramina and my children — Evert, Ernest and Theo.
*The donation fee for the family of 4 includes:
Airline tickets to Cyprus
Transfer Larnaca - Paphos
Programme for 10 days
Petrol expenses
Meals
Excursions
Entertainment
