Project 1-38

IMPORTANT NOTICE: 

As of January 1, 2026, Micky’s Foundation will discontinue the provision of pediatric physiotherapy. This decision, though difficult, is both necessary and long overdue. It is time for the Government of Aruba, the H.O. Hospital, and the AZV to finally assume full responsibility for safeguarding the therapeutic needs of the most vulnerable group of children on the island.

Yesterday, this message was communicated to approximately 100 parents of children with severe neurological disorders. The announcement was received with deep concern. Some parents expressed feelings of defeat, even considering relocation to the Netherlands. Others responded with determination and a call to collective action. The reactions underscore both the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for structural solutions.

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Micky’s Foundation will continue to play a strategic role. We remain resilient and determined to advocate strongly for the rights and interests of these children and their families, whose needs have been neglected for far too long by official institutions. It has never been the responsibility of Micky’s Foundation, an initiative created by and for parents, to provide pediatric rehabilitation on a structural basis. That responsibility lies with the government and the AZV. Nevertheless, over the past eleven years we have stepped into this gap, reaching 140 children and providing approximately 14,000 hours of therapy, delivered by 40 pediatric physiotherapists. All projects were organized by volunteers, all therapy was free of charge, and every initiative was financed by sponsors.

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A formal letter has been sent to the Minister of Health, Mrs. M. Wyatt-Ras, the Prime Minister, Mr. M. Eman, the Director of AZV, Mr. E. Jacobs, and the President of the Board of H.O. Hospital, Mr. J. Vroegop. In this letter, immediate action has been requested. While political processes may be slow, we believe that with the support of parents, families, sponsors, and all individuals who recognize the moral urgency of this matter, meaningful change can be achieved. Hunto nos ta fuerte, together we are strong.

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Finally, we confirm that in 2026 Micky’s Foundation will continue to provide qualified therapists in the fields of occupational therapy and pre-verbal speech therapy. Pediatric physiotherapy, although the most essential discipline, will, as just stated no longer be offered.

 

HOW WE WORK

 

In Aruba, the situation in the field of therapeutic and medical assistance to children with a serious physical and/or cognitive disability is distressing and, due to its small scale, very inadequate. To provide a structural answer to this disturbing situation, Micky's Foundation was established at the end of 2014. We organize back-to-back projects of 3 months each, in which 2 therapists treat 40-45 children (at home or at school). They come as volunteers and work for an expense allowance. They are BIG registered and highly qualified to perform their paramedical activities for our target group in Aruba. Continuity of therapy is very important for the parents and children. In the period 2015-2025, Micky's Foundation has so far treated 220 children, with more than 25,000 free therapy hours, by 72 therapists. The reactions from parents are extremely positive, also because there is a cooperation with the locally treating therapists and we have started a lobby at the local health insurance company the AZV. The therapy is free. We do not receive any government subsidy. We depend on donations. The therapy is always given with the assistance of at least one parent, so they can learn to give (easy) therapy exercises to their child.

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Do you want to know more about our history and activities, please read the 'About us' section.