In a quiet corner of Cape Coast, where many may see limitation, Mrs. Richeal Adom sees limitless potential.
A community health nurse by profession, Reachel Adom is the founder of the Challenged Children Foundation, a project born out of personal pain, profound empathy, and a relentless desire to make life better for children with disabilities.
Her journey began seven years ago in an orphanage, where she met a boy who was constantly overlooked due to his condition. But what the world saw as a disability, Richeal saw as raw, untapped talent.
The boy could paint and draw effortlessly. Moved by his abilities and plight, she took him under her care, supported his development, and today, he thrives as a professional artist in the United States. “His transformation continues to motivate me to reach out to more children with similar challenges,” she says.
But perhaps the most defining moment came when her own son was diagnosed with spina bifida.
The difficult path that followed, with multiple surgeries and long recoveries, opened her eyes to the glaring gap in support systems for families with children living with disabilities. From this experience, the Challenged Children Foundation was born—a haven for children who would otherwise be left behind.
Operating primarily from her personal salary, alongside the support of her husband and occasional contributions from family and friends, Richeal has managed to build a safe space for children with neurological and physical challenges.
The foundation provides them with food, shelter, medical care, and above all, love. She’s even converted a shop into a temporary shelter and another into a storeroom for essential supplies.
“It’s not easy,” she admits. “Consistent medical care, especially physiotherapy, is a major challenge. But we remain committed because every child deserves to live a happy and fulfilling life.”
The impact of her work is evident in stories like that of Grace Adobea and her daughter, Blessing. Born without legs, Blessing was at risk of being harmed by family members who could not accept her condition.
Intervention from social workers brought her case to Richeal’s attention. Without hesitation, she and her husband took both mother and child into their home.
They ensured Blessing received medical attention, while also helping Grace recover emotionally and gain skills in fashion design. Today, both mother and daughter are thriving.
Community leaders and residents testify to the life-changing effect of Richeal’s work. Reverend Noah Yaw Adunkwaa of the Maranatha Assemblies of God Church says, “She’s a godsend.
She integrates these children into the church and helps them experience the fullness of life, regardless of their condition.”
Abraham Obeng, a procurement officer at the University of Cape Coast, nominated her for MTN Heroes of Change Season 7. “What she and her husband are doing with almost no external support is extraordinary,” he says. “She deserves every bit of help to expand her work.”
Despite her challenges, Richeal remains hopeful. Her future plans include building a fully equipped physiotherapy center and offering vocational training to empower mothers. “I’m thankful to God for this vision and the opportunity to make a difference,” she reflects.
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To many in Cape Coast, Richeal Adom is more than a nurse—she is a lifeline, a beacon of hope, and a true hero of change.
About MTN Heroes of Change
MTN Heroes of Change is a corporate social initiative by MTN Ghana that recognizes and rewards individuals making extraordinary contributions to their communities through social impact projects.
Since its inception, the initiative has celebrated changemakers in areas such as education, health, and economic empowerment. The award seeks to highlight and support individuals whose selfless work is improving lives, creating opportunities, and making Ghana a better place.
Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo/newsghana.com.gh
