One of the most common things families of special-needs children experience is lonliness. It's a very isolating situation to be in, even if you adore your child! Many times families feel lost, ignored, and overlooked by society. These feelings can run deep and can have a detrimental impact on the immediate and extended families.
In 2007, my friend Amy Haas and I began the Hope Link Support Group. We wanted a safe place for mothers of children with rare, serious and undiagnosed disorders. Amy and I were special-needs mommas and both of our girls had very rare diseases. We didn't fit into any of the big groups in the community, so we decided to start our own. In 2010, we started the OKC Hope Link Foundation and received our 501c3 status.
Hope Link now not only reaches mothers, but also entire families! We even have a ministry to bereaved mothers called "Hope Link Graduates". In addition to our monthly support group meetings, we offer an annual retreat for active members, girls night out's for the mothers and family get-togethers throughout the year. Through donations, we are able to help Hope Link families attend medical conferences for their children, and are also able to offer other support to those in need.
I am incredibly grateful for my Hope Link family and for the sisters I have gained through this ministry that God has birthed! Here's more information on the OKC Hope Link Foundation . . .
Giving Hope to mothers
of children with rare and undiagnosed diseases.
The Hope Link Foundation is a ministry which serves families
whose children suffer from rare, serious or undiagnosed diseases and disorders.
Hope Link is a non-profit, non-denominational ministry. We connect
families by providing encouragement, hope and support through fellowship and
prayer. Families involved with Hope Link benefit from monthly meetings, online
support groups, as well as social events and activities.
Hope Link is run by volunteers and was founded by two
mothers who have children with rare diseases. Every member of Hope Link
recognizes the unique challenges faced by parents who have
children with unknown and rare diseases. Often, parents can feel
isolated due to the rarity of their child’s diagnosis and the burden of walking
in uncharted territory. At Hope Link, the children are unique in diagnosis, but
the experiences families face in their unique circumstances are often the same.
Hope Link provides a safe place to share stories and answer
questions. It is a place where you can
find support in your journey and be reminded that you are not alone.
For more information, visit our website:
Meetings are held at Bridgeway Church
First Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m.
228 W. Hefner Rd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73114
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