Dear friends and community, As I look back on this past year, I feel deeply grateful for the families, volunteers, partners, and supporters who make A Different Story what it is. Every conversation shared, every moment of connection created, and every family supported reminds me why this work matters so much. Together, we have built spaces where parents feel less alone, children feel included, and difference is met with understanding and care. I am continually inspired by the strength, honesty, and generosity within this community. Together, we are shaping a more inclusive future—one where difference is acknowledged, celebrated, and met… Read more: A year to be proud of – 2025 Annual Report

An interview with Schouders highlighting our parent platform and support group When your child needs extra care, parenting often feels like a competitive sport: intense, emotional, and sometimes lonely. Sarah Rose LaPham knows this better than anyone. She’s the mother of a son with a rare condition and the director of A Different Story, a parenting platform in Amsterdam. What began as a small initiative in her living room has grown into a vibrant meeting place for parents and children. A place to really land The idea arose from a personal need: Sarah missed a safe space where parents could… Read more: The Power of Connection

Last Sunday was a day to remember for our Stronger Together project. We kicked off with an enthusiastic group of three participants. What united them was not only the same school, but also the unique specialties and limitations that each brings with them – and which we transform into strength together!  Autumn in the Forest: Searching for Beauty Our day began with an invigorating autumn walk. The goal? To find the strongest and most beautiful leaves for a collaborative autumn collage. Along the way, we received a fantastic surprise: a local farm donated chestnuts, acorns, and walnuts! What a wonderful… Read more: Stronger Together: A Day Full of Discovery and Trust! 

When we think about what it might take to raise and care for a child living with a disability (physical and/or cognitive) we often think mainly about the physical and time-consuming act of parenting. We think about the specific needs around their condition, specialised medical care, different therapies, special education, long-term care, etc. Yet most of all and through all that, we think about how we can give the best life possible to the tiny and complex human we’ve been tasked to care for in this life. And let me just say tackling any one of those things is more… Read more: The Power of Community in Raising a Child with a Disability

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE17.02.2025 There are over 1.2 million people in the Netherlands living with a rare disease and at least 75% of those cases are diagnosed in pregnancy or childhood.[1] Therefore, we know that the journey from diagnosis to care in navigating a rare disease predominately impacts young families. With this journey often comes a tremendous additional burden for parents, both emotionally and practically, as they try and not only cope with the diagnosis and their new reality but navigate adequate long-term care and education for their children. A Different Story, a community-based foundation in Amsterdam, working with these families,… Read more: New funding enables A Different Story to broaden its services and offer additional support to families