Hello! My name is Kristina Piperi. I am 20 years old and my birthday is on June 9th. I have been diagnosed with autism and for this reason, I am classified as a person with different abilities. I also suffer from epilepsy and have seizures from time to time. I constantly get medicine and visits at the doctors. Because I am disabled, the government has given to me and my mother an invalid pension so that my mother can stay at home to care for me. My mother is working part time in the town, cleaning the parks and planting flowers and grass. She works only for the first part of the day, while I stay in a specialized carrying center for persons with autism. I am happy to frequent this center and the personal there cares for me in who I am and what I need. I am happy that I have friends in this center that I can fellowship and we take lessons as well. I live with my mother and sister in the town. I have two other brothers but they are grown and are working and living in another town. My father passed away before six years and since he left, my mother cares for me, but she is also facing hardships in her health, as blood pressure issues and anxiety. I have a sister who is younger and goes to school. We share our house with my aunt. My invalid pension and the small amount that my mother receives during the part time that she works in the cleaning company are very low as income to cover all of our needs. My brothers in times of need will give to us a bit of help, but we remain needy. We as family are thankful to the sponsorship program from where we receive food packages constantly. My mother, sister and I are registered. My mother and sister come to the church services and bible classes of the program every Sunday. We are thankful as family to the program of Adopt a Child, for the spiritual and physical care that are available to us. God bless you!

Translated by Martin Rucolli

LW/Adopt a Child Albania