A Mother’s Love That Crossed Continents

“Your child has a genetic disease that has no cure.”

No mother ever expects to hear those words. For Regina Minassian, the moment her 3-year-old son Zeca was diagnosed with a rare and progressive genetic disease was the beginning of an unimaginable journey—one fueled by fierce love and determination.

In their home country of Brazil, Regina and her husband, Gilberto, had never heard of anyone in their families with such a condition. But when they learned that treatment might be possible in the United States, they didn’t hesitate. They packed their lives into suitcases and flew more than 4,000 miles to Little Rock, Arkansas, clinging to hope for their only child.

When they arrived, exhausted and unsure, they opened the door to their apartment at Goodness Village—and for the first time in weeks, Regina felt peace.

“This is a complete apartment,” she said with a smile. “It feels like we are home. I can cook Zeca his favorite foods. I can be his mom in all the ways that matter.”

But Goodness Village was more than a place to stay. It was a community. A family. And for a mother far from home, it was exactly what she needed.

“We can feel the love of the staff and volunteers,” Regina shared. “We love Rosemary and Peggy—they came to check on us right away. That’s what makes the difference. People who truly care. The support we have here gives us strength to keep going.”

And so Regina keeps going. Through months of appointments and treatments. Through long days and uncertain nights. Because that’s what mothers do.

And it’s working. Zeca is thriving.

“He’s running, jumping, climbing, things he couldn’t do before we came here,” Regina said, her voice filled with emotion. “To see him play like this brings tears to our eyes.”

In the middle of all the challenges, there have been moments of joy, too—like when Zeca saw his very first snowfall. A small dream come true, made possible by a mother who refused to give up.

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the strength, sacrifice, and love of mothers like Regina. Her story is a powerful reminder: when a mother fights for her child, there is no distance too far, no challenge too great.