Limited & Distant Care
Even in Kathmandu, support was limited, expensive, and hard to reach. At times, we travelled to India just to find the right therapy.
Our Story
Why We Were Founded
Every movement begins with a story.
Ours began with two little girls.
The Sisters who Sparked a Movement
Our twin daughters, Deetya and Marissa, were born on the same day. Their journeys unfolded very differently.
Deetya was born with bilateral clubfoot. Since birth, she's gone through treatment and physiotherapy, and still wears specialized shoes. She's made remarkable progress — though some days are still hard. Her story reminds us that progress isn't about perfection. It's about perseverance, support, and opportunity.
As the twins grew, we noticed Marissa was different. She struggled with eye contact, communication, and connecting with the world around her. After months of consultations, we finally had an answer: Marissa was diagnosed with autism.
D
Deetya
M
Marissa
Facing the Invisible Walls
We encountered obstacles that felt insurmountable at first, reflecting the struggles of thousands of families.
Stigma & Misunderstanding
Some told us to seek spiritual healing instead of professional care. Others said, “she'll grow out of it.” Well-meaning as they were, these responses only delayed understanding and made the journey more isolating.
A Search for Belonging
Before she turned seven, Marissa had attended five different schools. We weren't just looking for a school that would admit her — we were looking for one that would understand her.
“The diagnosis brought fear, uncertainty, and countless questions…
We wanted to do everything for her — but didn't know where to start.”
“If it was this hard for our family —
with access to education, resources, and services —
what must it be like for a family in rural Nepal?”
No specialist nearby.
No information.
No guidance.
No one to tell them they are not alone.
That question became our purpose. We founded deessa Foundationso that no parent has to walk this path alone, and no child is left behind because of where they're born or how they learn.
The Birth of a Vision
2021: The Realization
2021: The Realization
The seed of deessa was planted during late-night discussions about the lack of accessible resources in Nepal's remote regions.
2022: Building Community
2022: Building Community
We began connecting with specialists and parents, realizing that a unified platform for advocacy was essential.
2023: Official Launch
2023: Official Launch
deessa Foundation was officially established, focusing on education, health equity, and social inclusion.
More Than a Name
The name deessa carries this story. “Dee” from Deetya. “Ssa” from Marissa. And the Nepali word for “direction” — because every child and every family deserves guidance, dignity, and a path forward.
dee
Deetya
ssa
Marissa
Direction
Meaning of “deessa” in Nepali context
Our Mission
To break down barriers for families navigating developmental and physical challenges by providing accessible healthcare, educational resources, and a community of unwavering support.
Our Vision
A world where every child, regardless of ability or location, is seen, heard, and given the resources to lead a life of dignity and purpose.
The Evolution of Impact
From confusion
Empowering families with knowledge and clear diagnostic paths.
to clarity
From stigma
Promoting awareness and celebrating every unique ability.
to acceptance
From isolation
Building networks of support so no family walks alone.
to support
Every child deserves
understanding.
Every family deserves
support.
What began as our family's journey has become a shared journey — with thousands of children, families, and communities across Nepal. And this is only the beginning.