Breath for Caregivers by the Sea

A few years ago, my entire life changed within just a few days. My son developed viral encephalitis, and a healthy little boy suddenly became a child with severe multiple disabilities, epilepsy, and extensive support needs. Overnight, I became a single mother and a full-time caregiver.

Only then did I discover that there are hundreds of families living a similar reality. Caring for a child with severe disabilities does not end in the evening or at weekends. It is a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week responsibility that often lasts for many years without a single real opportunity to rest.

That is why I founded S dítětem v náruči, z. s. (With a Child in My Arms Association), a non-profit organization supporting families caring for children with serious illnesses, multiple disabilities, or high support needs.

Why was the Breath Project created?

We are preparing the pilot edition of the Breath for Caregivers by the Sea project – a recovery, respite and well-being programme – which will enable 15 family caregivers to step away from the daily demands of caregiving for a few days, recover, regain their strength and experience the feeling that their own health and mental well-being matter too.

This is not a holiday. It is an opportunity to breathe again.

Many caregivers have never experienced a real vacation. Even if they travel with their child, they remain in their caregiving role every minute of the day. And for many children, their medical condition does not allow travelling at all.

That is exactly why this project was created.

What will caregivers gain from the programme?

During several days by the sea, participants will have the opportunity to:

• rest and regain their strength,
• step away from the constant demands of caregiving,
• take part in optional relaxation and supportive activities,
• share their experiences with people who truly understand their daily lives.

All activities will be entirely voluntary. Every participant will be free to spend their time according to their own needs, abilities, and current capacity.

How will the donations be used?

The proceeds of this fundraiser will be used by S dítětem v náruči, z. s. to implement the Breath for Caregivers by the Sea project, including accommodation and transportation, the professional supportive, regenerative and therapeutic programme, staffing and organisational support, and all other essential costs related to the preparation and implementation of the project.

Our goal is not to organise just one stay. We want to build a long-term support programme for caregivers that will continue helping families for many years to come.

Every donation brings us one step closer to making this vision a reality. By helping caregivers regain their strength, you are also helping the children they care for every single day with extraordinary love and dedication.

Thank you for helping us bring the Breath for Caregivers by the Sea project to life.

With heartfelt thanks,

The S dítětem v náruči, z. s. Team