Out to the sea with the whole family

Elena Kerpiy is raising five children on her own: two daughters and three sons. Her middle son, Dimochka, was born with Down’s syndrome and a complex congenital heart defect. Despite all the challenges, love, mutual support and faith in one another have always been at the heart of this family.

In her letter to "Rainbow in Cyprus", Elena admitted that none of her children had ever seen the sea. Dimochka would often look at pictures of waves and seagulls, dreaming of one day being there himself.

And that dream came true.

During their holiday in Cyprus, the family went for walks, did creative activities, met with volunteers and simply enjoyed their time together. During art therapy, the children created their own "Planet of Love" whilst Dimochka was thrilled to discover new experiences and even proved himself a real driver, skilfully manoeuvring a small car.

For the Kerpiy family, this trip was more than just a holiday. It gave them the chance to forget, if only for a short while, about hospitals, diagnoses and daily worries, and instead to fill their lives with the sea, smiles and happy family memories.

Thank you, Elena, Dimochka and your whole wonderful family, for your trust.

And thank you to everyone who helps "Rainbow in Cyprus" make such dreams come true.