For 12-year-old Tatjana, or “Tater Tot” as her family calls her, Christmas isn’t just a holiday; it’s her favorite time of the year. From the twinkling lights to the cozy Hallmark movies playing on repeat, Tati embraces the season like it was made just for her.

But this Christmas, the magic is hitting a little closer to home, thanks to a life-changing gift from Chive Charities and incredible donors like you.

Tati is the youngest of five children, and her mom, Christina, says, “I always say God made her the baby of the family so she'd be my baby forever. She's my heart. We've been through so much in 12 years, and this girl is amazing. She's a diva.” Tati’s journey hasn’t been easy, but her unshakable spirit and love for life shine through every challenge she faces.

Before her diagnosis, life was already a little complicated. Christina recalls being told during pregnancy that Tati’s brain was underdeveloped, only to have doctors later say it was a misreading. “After she was born, I knew my child was different,” Christina says. “Her eyes wouldn’t focus, she hated tummy time, and her eyes would roll back. I kept bringing it up to the pediatrician, but it wasn’t until her six-month checkup that they finally noticed something was off.”

That led to a series of hospital visits and, eventually, a diagnosis of microcephaly and cerebral palsy. The news hit hard. “No parent wants to believe their child has a diagnosis, even though you know it’s true,” Christina says. “It took me a long time to accept it.”

Tati’s condition has shaped every aspect of her family’s life. Daily outings require military-level precision to pack her medications, feeding supplies, and equipment. Their old Jeep Commander could barely keep up, and when it was totaled in an accident, the family was left without a reliable way to transport Tati’s wheelchair or medical car seat. With Tati growing taller and heavier, the need for an accessible vehicle became urgent.

“Getting her in and out of the car has become impossible,” Christina explains. “We’ve missed out on family outings, hikes, and trips to the beach because it’s just too hard to manage. I want Tati to enjoy the world like other kids her age.”

Despite these challenges, Tati’s love for life remains unstoppable. Her favorite thing in the world? Christmas lights and movies. “She loves The Grinch, Elf, and any Hallmark Christmas movie. From July through December, it’s Hallmark 24/7 for her,” Christina laughs.

Tati isn’t a fan of opening presents, though. “If we try to make too much of a fuss, she’ll pretend she’s sleeping and just shut her eyes. We’ve got unopened presents from years ago because she doesn’t like the attention.”

Originally from Florida, Tati’s family moved to Cincinnati to access better care at a top children’s hospital after realizing the extent of her medical challenges. The transition wasn’t easy, especially after the loss of Christina’s grandparents and mother, but it was worth it to give Tati the best possible chance at life.

Now, because of donors like you, they’re getting a gift that even Tati is excited to unwrap: a new wheelchair-accessible van from our friends at AMS Vans with a total impact of $55,000. With the arrival of the new vehicle, Tati’s family is already making plans to embrace the world beyond their front door. 

Christina is dreaming up a road trip to celebrate Tati’s 13th birthday on March 2. “She loves lights and fish, so we want to take her to the Georgia Aquarium and then to the zoo. It’s going to be amazing to celebrate her becoming a teenager.”

The moment Christina found out they’d been approved for the van was unforgettable. “I kept rereading the email, thinking it must be spam or a mistake. I even went to the website to double-check, and it still said, ‘approved.’ I couldn’t believe it. The application process hit me more emotionally than I expected, and the question that asked, ‘Tell us about your child’s diagnosis,’ stopped me in my tracks. Writing it down made it feel more real than ever.”

This Christmas, the van is more than just a gift; it’s a lifeline. Christina says it best: “This van means freedom. It means we can finally take Tati to see Christmas lights, go on walks, and just be together as a family without the stress. It’s going to change our lives.”

To the donors who made this happen: your generosity has given Tati and her family the ultimate gift—hope. “You’ve given us memories we didn’t think were possible,” Christina says. “This is more than a van; it’s the chance to live life fully, to show Tati the world she loves so much.”

As Christmas approaches, Tati will be cuddled up with her family, Hallmark movies playing in the background, surrounded by love and the promise of new adventures. And isn’t that what the season is all about?

At Chive Charities, we keep the magic alive all year round through the support of our donor family. Consider becoming a Chive Charities subscriber today and bring the spirit of generosity to the lives of Veterans, military families, first responders, and those with a rare medical diagnosis. Making the world 10% happier—the gift that keeps on giving. DONATE HERE.