Brandon's Amazing Zest For Life

Brandon from Cochabamba, Bolivia is a shining example of how sponsorship helps a child grow together with their family and community to reach their full potential. From the moment they found out that their son had down syndrome, his parents knew they wanted to give him whatever he needed to thrive. They supported Brandon's development from an early age through physical therapy, speech, and language therapy. He was also treated by his aunt, a psychologist who specializes in the process of learning when he was only months old. When he was four, he attended the CERECO special center before attending a regular school for three years, but without support from the teachers, he wasn't able to learn alongside his peers, so they removed him from school.

Deeply concerned about Brandon's future, his parents rejoiced when they learned about the Down Syndrome Association of Cochabamba (ASDC), a Chalice sponsor site in Bolivia when he was 12. Through ASDC Brandon finally had access to the therapy and educational supports he needed to learn.

Brandon was sponsored at the age of 13 and his parents are so grateful for the support. Brandon lives a very happy life and has flourished thanks to the supports of ASDC and his mother who is always by his side. Through the support of his sponsor, Brandon was able to access therapies that helped him grow in his cognitive, motor, and social development. His family is also very grateful towards his sponsor who, in addition to sponsorship, sends him special money to help with extra items he may need.

With the rehabilitation therapies and the support of his family, Brandon is living a busy and full life. He has an amazing zest for life and brings an enthusiasm and positive energy into his adventures. Brandon loves to paint, rides a bike, plays racquetball, and participated as a volunteer in the ODESUR 2018 Games (South American Games). He is happiest when he is helping his father with agricultural activities - working in the fields, assisting with the animals, handling tools, driving the tractor, collecting fruits, and making cheese to sell.

Thanks to the sponsorship program, many children like Brandon grow up to be independent young people who can help their families in their daily work. Although in Cochabamba there are still very few people with down syndrome who work, our goal at ASDC is for children to realize their full potential and live meaningful lives.