When Lina was just four weeks old, she began having relentless, intractable seizures.

What followed was every parent's nightmare.

We went from hospital to hospital and doctor to doctor searching for answers. Specialists at several prestigious medical centers delivered devastating news. They told me that Lina could not be helped. Some even suggested that I should consider institutionalizing my baby.

The prognosis was heartbreaking: Lina would never walk, never talk, never recognize her family, and would have little quality of life.

We refused to accept that answer.

Determined to find hope where others saw none, we continued searching until we found physicians and partners at NYU Langone Medical Center who looked beyond the diagnosis and focused on possibilities. Eventually, Lina was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder.

With a new treatment plan and access to specialized care, Lina's life began to change.

She became a participant in groundbreaking CDKL5 research studies, helping advance scientific understanding of the disorder while improving her own quality of life. That research continues today, bringing hope to families around the world.

Today, Lina's life looks very different from what those early doctors predicted.

She is happy and is always smiling and laughing. She walks. She communicates. She knows and loves her family. And most of all, she loves horses.

Through therapeutic horseback riding, Lina has discovered confidence, joy, and independence. She has even competed in regional Special Olympics events, earning ribbons and celebrating achievements that once seemed impossible.

The life Lina leads today is a testament to perseverance, innovative care, and the power of believing in what is possible.

Last year, however, Lina faced another enormous challenge.

In August, her CDKL5 entered a new phase and her gastrointestinal system began to shut down. She spent six months in the hospital, and there were several moments when we feared we might lose her.

Through extraordinary medical care, creativity, determination, and a willingness to explore new solutions, a treatment plan was developed that helped save her life.

Today, Lina is back where she belongs?surrounded by people who love her, smiling, thriving, and once again riding horses.

One of the most important parts of Lina's journey has been New Hope Community.

For more than fifty years, New Hope Community has empowered individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live meaningful, enriched lives. More than a residential community, New Hope provides a comprehensive ecosystem of support, including day habilitation programs, supported employment, music and art therapies, holistic wellness services, sports programs, Special Olympics participation, and Hope Farm.

For Lina, one of the most meaningful parts of New Hope is its equine therapy program?the place where her love of horses continues to flourish.

New Hope Community has become a second family to Lina, supporting her growth, celebrating her accomplishments, and helping her live a life filled with purpose, dignity, and joy.

In recognition of her inspiring journey, New Hope recently dedicated its Horse Barn in Lina's honor.

Today, we're inviting you to help ensure that others can experience the same life-changing support that Lina has received.

By purchasing a T-shirt or hoodie?and making a donation if you're able?you can help New Hope Community continue providing transformative programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Your support helps create opportunities, foster independence, and enrich lives.

Thank you for helping New Hope Community continue its remarkable work and for being part of Lina's story.

Every purchase helps create more stories like Lina's. Donate - New Hope Community

-Jan Svendsen Weiss (Lina's Mom)