Nathaniel Timothy Kuck, "A Treasured Gift of God" was born June 6, 1997, prematurely with multiple birth anomalies. We were told that he had an undiagnosed syndrome. Surgeries, therapies, sickness, and hospital visits all became a normal part of his life and ours.

Nathaniel brought us into a community that we didn't ask to be a part of, didn't know a lot about ... a community that brought us into many hardships and sacrifice....but also ultimately to a place called Hope.

Hope is the anchor that keeps us secure and afloat as the storms of life rage around us. It is essential to hold unto as we sail through this journey called life. To have Hope is to trust in, wait for, look for or to expect something beneficial in the future. Though he could never speak a word, Nathaniel taught us to hang unto hope as we walked through some of our darkest and most difficult days with him.

We tried to do our best to encourage, guide and teach him, but it wasn't long before we learned who was really in the classroom. Nathaniel taught us that to each life there is value and purpose. What may appear to be imperfect in the eyes of man really "is" perfect in the sight of God. Children with disabilities are not an accident or a mistake. God places much value on these VIP kids that are created in His image. Its only through this unanticipated journey that we are able to discover the real power of the "powerless."

On November 13, 2001, at an early age of 41/2 years, Nathaniel unexpectedly had a change of address and now no longer lives with us here on earth. After proving himself to be a "miracle boy," beating the odds time and again by overcoming many physical obstacles and challenges, he has returned back home to His Creator. At his new home, he is no longer physically restricted, bound by surgeries, feeding tubes or braces, but is free to run on the streets of gold. His memory will always be cherished and his little handprints and the lessons he taught us are indelibly imptinted on our hearts forever.... and his purpose continues as we endeavor to bring encouragment and share "the Hope" with others through the establishment of Nathaniel's Hope.

Tim and Marie Kuck Nathaniel's Mom and Dad

Nathaniel's Hope is an organization dedicated to "sharing the Hope with kids with special needs and their families." The mission of Nathaniel's Hope includes educating the community on how to encourage and practically assist VIP families. To learn more about the many programs of Nathaniel's Hope or to register a child in the VIP birthday club, visit www.NathanielsHope.org.