Meet Mercy

Mercy is a strong-willed and determined 4-year-old girl who faces multiple medical challenges, including legal blindness, ADHD, and musculoskeletal issues accompanied by weak muscle tone. She communicates fluently in both Korean and English. She also enjoys engaging in repetitive movements such as swinging and jumping. In community settings, Mercy uses a white cane to navigate safely. 

Mercy’s family requested assistance with adaptive martial arts training classes which will provide an inclusive and structured environment to foster her physical development, independence, and confidence. Martial arts can significantly benefit blind students by enhancing body awareness, spatial orientation, balance, and coordination—skills essential for Mercy’s continued growth. In addition to improving her physical fitness, participation in adaptive martial arts will help build her self-esteem, self-discipline, and self-defense abilities in a way that’s both empowering and enjoyable. Thank you to our Love Fund supporters for providing this valuable extracurricular opportunity for Mercy.

“Martial arts will teach her self-defense and being mindful of her other 

available senses since she is legally blind.” 

~ Dawn Donoho, Center for Human Services