Liesje is more than just a book—it is the heartfelt story of Pierre Mertens’ daughter, who was born with spina bifida. Despite early medical predictions, Liesje lived an active life until she passed away at the age of eleven after a failed surgery. In this book, Pierre captures his journey as a father, transforming his profound grief into a lifelong mission to support children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus worldwide. Since its first publication 23 years ago, Liesje has been translated into eight languages, and its proceeds continue to support Child-Help’s work.
The presentation will be hosted by Ondrej Rosík, a blind radio moderator, and will include:
Throughout the presentation, photos from Child-Help’s African projects will be displayed, showcasing the organization’s impact since its founding.
With this event, Child-Help aims to raise awareness about spina bifida and hydrocephalus while fostering discussions on disability inclusion. While Child-Help does not currently have projects in Slovakia, this presentation may serve as a first step in future collaborations, particularly as the organization develops its knowledge center.
Photos and media coverage from the event will be shared on Child-Help International’s platforms. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to work towards a more inclusive world for children with disabilities.
