Joshua Barrera is a 6-year-old from Orange Walk and this young boy already has a foundation in his name. And that’s because even though he suffers from cerebral palsy, his courage and will to live is an inspiration. His mother has set up the foundation – and they got some help from northern Ministers last week. Here’s more.
Jacqueline Godwin Reporting,
Meet six year old Joshua Barrera. At birth he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a condition that has prevented him from living a normal life. But while he may be physically and mentally disabled Joshua has been able to motivate his parents and many others to assist children like himself who are only able to function with rehabilitation and therapy services – that will be available at this center named after the little boy who inspired it. Joshua’s mother Diana Barerra is the administrator of Joshua’s Foundation.
Diana Barrera, Director - Joshua’s Foundation
“It has been years ago that I have been dealing with this illness, it is not so easy and that is why I can truly say I can understand other parents when they say what they are feeling or what they are going through.”
It has been a challenge getting Joshua’s Centre fully equipped to help its young patient’s. Recently however national and international support has given the children and their parents a sense of optimism about providing a first of its kind service in the north.
Gaspar Vega, Deputy Prime Minister
“We are lucky have to a group of people from the US who are donating this equipment to the foundation which is a non profit organization. The organization has been trying to survive for many years and today here I am committing myself to the foundation that we, when I say we, myself and the new government will ensure that this foundation becomes one of the most successful ones.”
Diana Barrera,
“This is a new beginning, 2008, a new beginning of working more and I think that this year we are going to succeed more in our center and I am happy that we are trying to assist more persons…where we can assist more persons who are disabled or assist anyone who needs this kind of equipment.”
Recently Joshua’s Foundation opened its doors to older groups of children and adults…while he was unable to tell us just how happy he is about the donation young Joshua Barrera was certainly moved by it all. For 7NEWS Jacqueline Godwin.
According to Diana Barerra they are now looking to get their own piece of land where the centre will be located.
