Today Mother’s Day is celebrated in 152 countries. The original day we recognize it as such dates back to a woman named Anna Jarvis. Following the death of her mother in 1905, she determined to designate a single day, Mother’s Day, as her way of celebrating and honoring the sacrifices all mothers made for their children.
Lifespire’s own roots are traced back to another courageous mother, Ida Rapport, who, 70 years ago, took a dramatic stand on behalf of her own son, and his rights to enjoy his own life to the max, even when diagnosed as developmentally disabled.
When speaking with mothers about Lifespire’s impact upon their families over the decades, they are quick to share how grateful they are for the support they receive from caregivers when dealing with the challenges they face each and every day. These challenges don’t “go on vacation,” and neither does Lifespire support.Moms are delighted to have an organization that understands their child’s needs and consistently helps to meet them.
Mothers are delighted to welcome Lifespire and their dedicated staff into their personal lives, their homes, their families, and they see the benefit that Lifespire’s support provides to their sons and daughters translates into a thousand daily successes.
Maria Murray, a Respite Unit Manager at Lifespire, says, “We understand that every individual with a disability is distinctive and special; at the same time, we understand that every mother is unique. Mothers with a child with intellectual disabilities need mental and physical effort in order to succeed. But instead of bringing the mother’s hopes down, together with Lifespire, they are able to make these mothers powerful and indestructible and to move forward.”
“I have found that mothers are the most courageous and fearless advocates for the needs and integrity of their child, always ready, nearby and at hand. They are true modern-day champions and they should be applauded and appreciated by their families and friends as well as by Lifespire.”
Mothers are often the engines of hope and advocacy. That’s where we at Lifespire step up to the plate through our special services. At Lifespire, We Never Forget that this agency originated with STRONG MOTHERS fighting for the rights of their children.
This Mother’s Day we take the time to celebrate you; we recognize your dedication to your sons and daughters. It is because you never give up, you empower, you promote, you influence, you inspire and you take the lead.
On this Mother’s Day, we want to honor all of these incredible mothers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and recognize them for their day-to-day involvement in their child’s life to help them achieve greatness.
In your child’s eyes and to our organization here at Lifespire, you are CHAMPIONS and HEROINES!
We wish all you incredible mothers a day full of love, for you are an inspiration to everyone.
Happy Mother’s Day!