Traditional Mayan culture believes disabilities are a curse on a family for a previous sin. These beliefs encourage families to abandon children with special needs in order to end the curse. As result, many children with special needs are left to die. Others who survive are severely neglected and live a life of isolation.

Dick Rutgers works with Hope Haven International and Bethel Ministries in Chimaltenango, Guatemala. Dick traveled to Guatemala 20 years ago as a wheelchair salesman. After seeing the situation first hand, he decided to stay and serve those in need.