On 16 November, 2019, the world welcomed a beautiful gift named Francisca dos Santos Tiro. Her mother, Carla Santos, describes her daughter as “a different girl, but that’s what makes her special”. Born with Free Trisomy 21– a condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome that leads to various health challenges – Francisca faces hurdles that many of us can only imagine. She is currently non-verbal, relies on nappies, and is in the midst of losing her primary developmental abilities like walking and chewing.
Despite these challenges, Francisca embodies resilience and determination. According to her mother, “Francisca is a fighter, a force of nature”. At just three years old, she learned sign language (baby sign) to express herself, showcasing her desire to communicate and connect with the world. Yet, as she navigates her daily life, she becomes frustrated that the world is often unprepared to embrace her unique way of communication.
The urgent need for therapy
Francisca requires a variety of therapies to help her develop more independence. Currently, she receives one physiotherapy session per week from the public health system, which is far from the extensive treatment she truly needs. Additional therapies such as Padovan, speech therapy and respiratory physiotherapy are vital for her development, but funding these treatments falls heavily on Carla’s shoulders.
Carla is looking to advance Francisca’s progress through an innovative intensive therapy program that combines electrostimulation and sensory integration at the Kinésio clinic in Espinho. This program costs 15,000 euros for three cycles, each lasting four weeks, plus additional expenses for travel and accommodation. It represents a crucial opportunity for Francisca to reclaim skills, improve her motor and psychological health, and possibly enhance her speech abilities.
Her last session promoted significant improvements, including adapting to a new way of communicating. Francisca also started chewing food. Carla was happy to tell me, “She now wants to try eating, where before she could only drink liquids out of a sippy cup and she loves fish with potatoes. She also walks better and doesn’t get so tired. This has also benefited me as I don’t have to carry her so much.”
Every contribution matters
With your help, Francisca can have the chance to live more independently and joyfully.
Carla told me, “I have learned that it is possible to work as independently as possible. I believe with the intelligence my daughter has, she will do great things and contribute to society.” This belief drives her to fight against a system that often overlooks the potential of individuals with disabilities.
With your help, Francisca can access therapies that allow her to experience life’s adventures more fully and independently. Join us in turning hope into action, and let’s help Francisca show the world just how special she truly is.
Join the fundraising event for Fransisca
14 June 12 pm at Grupo BTT “Os Marafados” (Porto de Lagos, Estrada de Monchique)
Live music with G-Amado and The Click
Snacks and Surprises
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/o_cantinho_da_francisca_/
How you can help
You can support Francisca’s journey by making a direct donation to the Kinésio Clinic or through her GoFundMe page. Here are the ways you can contribute:
Direct donation to the Kinésio clinic: Email geral@kinesio.pt and specify you’d like to donate to “Francisca dos Santos Tiro’s intensive”. They will provide the necessary details and issue the invoice in your name.
Direct bank transfer: Support Francisca directly through her mother’s account: NIB: PT50 0033 0000 45679859055 05.
GoFundMe: Por uma nova oportunidade: Ajuda a Francisca! (gofund.me/b8286cf2) to make an easy and secure online donation.
Follow and support: Follow Francisca’s journey via Carla’s Instagram account @o_cantinho_da_francisca_, where she shares updates and progress.
