SC Respite Testimonials - See the faces and hear the voices of those helped by your donations and support!
“My son Hudson and I can’t thank the SC Respite Coalition enough for the opportunity to be awarded much needed respite. I’m a single mom from New Hampshire and we don’t have a support system here in SC. I had to have two major surgeries, and being able to have the respite, I was able to pay my sister to come to SC for the first surgery and my niece came to take care of Hudson for the second surgery. I was overcome with fear that I had to have surgery and not knowing who could care for my son adequately. The only alternative I would have had if we weren’t allotted the generous respite was to put Hudson in foster care until I was well. SCRC made it so Hudson and I could remain intact. As many people know, caring for someone with special needs is a 24-7 job. Not a lot of individuals can provide the care our loved one needs. However, the people that are able to provide care need to be compensated. SCRC was able to help financially and emotionally. There aren’t enough words to express how grateful and appreciative we are for having the SCRC play a pivotal and supporting part in our family dynamic. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts.”
- Melonie
"The blessing of this respite voucher allowed me to unplug, to take time to pour into myself and find time for myself to breathe. I often feel guilty for taking time the away from caring for or advocating for my child. It has been a very challenging time to acclimate to a new state and face all the steps needing to be taken to get care established here. Each day seems overwhelming and some days I run out of time - so self-care is often put on the back burner. I was able to arrange care with a trusted and skilled provider so that I literally could unplug from my role as parent and caregiver - to fill my cup and have time that was about caring for myself and finding calm. I came back from my time more rested and more energized. I am so grateful!"
- Lisa
"Respite has truly changed my life. As a single mom trying to be "super mom," I never asked for help, feeling it was responsibility to handle everything for my kids. But I started feeling the toll of exhaustion, both mentally and physically, while caring for my two special needs children alone. It became clear that I needed to prioritize my well-being so I could be a happier and healthy mom for them. I didn’t have the budget for a babysitter, but thanks to the respite voucher, I could finally afford someone I trusted to care for my kids. This time off has opened doors for me to attend therapy, go to the gym, rest, and attend a support group of single moms who share my beliefs. It’s given me the strength, confidence, and energy to be the best women and mother. Thank you!"
- Azucena Gonzalez
“We are doing fantastic rocking her extra chromosome during Pandemic life. Now I am a teacher, caregiver, mom, friend, nurse, chef lol 24/7. But we are healthy so we are happy.”
- Maria
“The respite voucher has been such a blessing! My sister Patricia has had multiple sclerosis for 33 years. I was able to attend some church activities, do some shopping and spend a few days at the beach without worrying about Patricia being taken care of. I really appreciate this program. Thank you!”
- Shirley
“The Respite Coalition has helped us. My son, Law, suffers from Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. He has daily seizures and needs constant care because of his condition. It is difficult to take family trips because of his medical needs. A respite care voucher from The Respite Coalition has allowed us to attend family events out of town and take a family vacation that we haven’t been able to do in the first 10 years of his life. We are deeply grateful for the Respite Coalition and everyone who donates to this worthy cause.”
- Jeff
“Raising a child with a rare disease is emotionally and physically exhausting. Getting a break as a caregiver has been so crucial for my husband and me. We can then concentrate on what medical needs our son has and are better parents in the long run. We could not continue on this long road without the funding from the SC Respite Coalition. Thank you for your support!”
- Brenda
"I am very appreciative of the respite voucher because it provided me some much needed rest. I am a single mother of 3 children. Two of my 3 kids have special needs. I am constantly going to 4 different therapies a week and specialists for GI ADHD and neurological issues. I found myself not having the time to catch a movie, go for a walk orjust time to have a mental break. The respite program provided funds and time so that I could chose someone that I am comfortable with to help so that I could have a peace of mind while getting self-care. I was able to rest, go to the movies just be. I am so grateful and thank God for the support and encouragement that the program has given me."
- Maxine L.Brown-Sartor
