Our Mission
We raise funds to provide: 1. Sports accessories for athletes so they are able to pursue their dreams; 2. Assistive medical devices for disabled children to perform their daily tasks
Our Story
Being the UNICEF Club President at my school and a competitive athlete myself, I, Genelia William, the founder of EchoHope, understand the challenges faced by underserved young athletes and physically challenged children in underdeveloped and developing countries. During one of my summer visits to India, I attended my cousin’s regional track competition in Southern India. That day, I witnessed one of the most painful moments of my life. While some of the kids were wearing spike shoes, there were several talented athletes running barefoot on the rubber track in the scorching heat of more than 100°F. The 200m champion was a runner who competed without shoes. When I went to congratulate her, she greeted me with a smile, despite the blisters on her feet. These runners face a real risk of injury from other athletes wearing spikes, which could end their dreams of pursuing sports. This incident deeply touched me and made me realize the struggles and sacrifices that athletes often endure just to compete. On another occasion, while visiting an orphanage, I saw disabled children struggling without basic assistive devices like hearing aids and wheelchairs. It was heartbreaking to see them struggle with daily tasks that most of us take for granted. While there are many NGOs that provide support for children's education, food, and clothing, I strongly believe that every passionate athlete's dream is to compete in state and national tournaments. However, without proper sports equipment and accessories, those dreams remain out of reach. I also learned from the Inner Wheel Club Guindy President that the disabled children often don’t receive sufficient medical aid to support their physical challenges. Motivated by these experiences, I decided to start an NGO, believing that every child deserves an equal opportunity, regardless of their socioeconomic background. I began working with the Inner Wheel Club Guindy President and a rural PE teacher to identify the children who could benefit most from support, ensuring that my efforts would have a direct and meaningful impact. So, on my 16th birthday, with the support of my parents and advisors, I launched EchoHope — an initiative to fundraise and amplify the voices of these children, helping them take one step closer to realizing their dreams.
