From her first year of life, Florentina was a fighter. Mădălina, Florentina's mother recalls:
‘She was half a baby, she had her little legs stuck to her tummy,’
By the time she was six months old, her daughter had already undergone a series of operations. The fact that Florentina is alive and going to school is, for her family, a victory won with a lot of courage and silent tears.
But also, with the support of people who were able to lend a helping hand - doctors, parents of children with similar conditions, teachers, the social worker from the town hall. People who choose to see her when for many it's easier to push her aside.
And the fight is not over...
Florentina and other children like her have to navigate not only the limitations of their diagnosis or wheelchair, but also the limitations of other people's views of their disability. Through the isolation they bring.
They wish they could go on trips with friends and be with them at all school activities. In her Physical Education class, Florentina waits quietly in class by herself. But beyond the challenges, Florentina mostly has dreams and plans for the future, for which she still needs a lot of support. She has learnt to appreciate the value of help in times of need.
She wants to be an orthopedic surgeon or a masseuse. In struggling with her diagnosis, she has seen how both professions can be of great help to others. "Orthopedic because I've seen it in hospitals. And a masseuse, I just love it. Maybe people have certain aches and pains, and they can get rid of them."
Now Florentina needs orthotics for her legs. Her mother knows she can rely on the community social worker for emergency help: ‘Every time we have called, they have helped us’.
The support from social workers is essential for them and their families to access quality services. Children like Florentina and their families need such support.
Today, you can be someone who helps them get it. Activate a monthly donation now. When we choose to see them, children flourish. Month by month, your donation helps vulnerable children gain access to social services, medical services, support, and educational resources.
Donate now. Help Florentina and other vulnerable children access quality services with the support of social workers. Thank you.
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What impact could my monthly donation make?
Your monthly support regularly provides children in need with...
Access to social protection services
Access to medical services
Specialized services for disabled children
Educational support and resources
Frequently Asked Questions
UNICEF is the United Nations Children’s Fund, working to protect and promote the rights of every child, everywhere. We work to help the most vulnerable with health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more.
Thanks to support from donors like you, we have been able to make a difference for children in need, to save, nurture, and protect the most vulnerable. We are active in over 190 countries and territories and have helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization.
You can securely make a one-time or/and monthly donation online on our website on the Donate Now button.
No donation is too small, and any donation can help save children's lives.
You choose for how long you wish to donate: monthly or only once. In order to contribute to a fundamental change in the lives of vulnerable children, the longer you choose to get involved, the more powerful your donation will be. Vulnerable children’s lives can improve with your long-term, constant support. By donating, you become an active part of the solution and of the change process
The money raised is used where it is needed for vulnerable children. For example, to provide free access to specialized services for vulnerable children in Romania or offer a rapid and effective response to children affected by wars and natural disasters.
UNICEF asks for monthly contributions to help us provide sustainable long-term solutions to help children around the world.
A monthly gift is a recurring gift amount that you choose to send each month, and it is even more impactful because you're helping children every single day.
Your monthly gift will also enable us to plan effectively in our upcoming work, reduce costs and most importantly, reach even more children in need. The support and generosity of monthly donors contribute significantly to UNICEF efforts to help vulnerable children.
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