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Sebastian: A Child Worth Fighting For

October 20 3 Minute Read????

Sebastian: A Child Worth Fighting For

Hello October 20th, 2025

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When there was no one else to care for him, Anastasia accepted Sebastian as her own and showed him that he was undeniably worth fighting for. 

One day, Anastasia received a phone call that changed her life forever. Her great-nephew, Sebastian, and his mother had been in a horrific car accident in Guatemala and were rushed to the hospital. 

Anastasia immediately broke the news to her entire family, including Sebastian’s dad, Brian. Brian rushed to the hospital to see his child, only to find out even more devastating news. Sebastian had been declared brain dead. He was faced with the heartbreaking reality that Sebastian would probably not survive.

In what seemed like a hopeless situation, God performed a miracle that no one could explain. After two days, Sebastian woke up from the coma.

5B4A5820.jpg“The doctors said he came from death to life. That’s why they fought for him. Many children who go through accidents like this don’t make it. And so, the doctors told us, ‘Maybe God has a purpose for him,’” shared Anastasia. 

Even though Sebastian regained consciousness, the doctors informed Brian that Sebastian would have lifelong disabilities because of the accident. Taking on the role of primary caregiver for a child with a disability was a daunting task for Brian, especially in Guatemala, a country lacking resources and support for families who have a child with special needs. As Sebastian’s mother was deemed unfit due to negligence, Brian approached Anastasia with a request: to take Sebastian into her care. Without a moment's hesitation, she wholeheartedly said, “Yes.” 

TTF---TDG-Sebastian-Blog-Graphics-v2-D.pngEver since that moment, Anastasia has been the primary caregiver for Sebastian. While she sold fruits and vegetables at the market, Sebastian would patiently wait inside a vegetable crate. Anastasia tried her best to take Sebastian to the hospital for therapy, often walking miles carrying him on her back. However, she was still not able to meet all of Sebastian’s needs.  

One day, a woman noticed Sebastian inside the crate at the market and recommended Anastasia to Tebow Down Guatemala (TDG). Her children received therapy at the school there, and she believed it would be beneficial for Sebastian as well. Anastasia decided to explore the exciting opportunities that TDG could provide. 

TTF---TDG-Sebastian-Blog-Graphics-v2-C.png

Anastasia and Sebastian were welcomed with open arms at Tebow Down Guatemala, a ministry of the Tim Tebow Foundation. There, Sebastian was offered therapy and support surrounded by a loving community!  “I was happy when I received a call [from Tebow Down Guatemala] because Sebastian needs a lot of therapy. When we first went there, he couldn’t do anything. Sebastian couldn't sit [independently], now, he can!” 

Anastasia has witnessed countless miracles throughout Sebastian's journey.

In February 2024, Tim, Demi, and some members of our TTF Team visited TDG, where they surprised Sebastian with a new wheelchair! Anastasia's heart was overwhelmed with gratitude for the support they’ve received. 

Tim Demi Sebastian wheelchair photo.pngSebastian continues to receive therapy at Tebow Down Guatemala, where he is making tremendous strides. We’re grateful to share that as of October 2025, thanks to God’s provision and years of faithful care and therapy, Sebastian is taking steps of his own! A true miracle! 

We’re honored to walk alongside Sebastian and Anastasia, and now, with the opening of our new TDG flagship campus in Guatemala City, hundreds more children will have the chance to experience transformation and miracles like his! Praise the Lord!

ABOUT TEBOW DOWN GUATEMALA:

Tebow Down Guatemala, a ministry of the Tim Tebow Foundation, serves hundreds of children with special needs and their families every week across five campuses—providing schooling, early intervention programs, therapies, family support, vocational training, and more.  

The new state-of-the-art flagship campus in Guatemala City, made possible by our giving family’s generous support of our 2023 See Them campaign, is a comprehensive hub where 250+ children living with developmental disabilities can access a wide range of services and resources  that will help them thrive and reach their full God-given potential.  

In Guatemala, there is a severe lack of resources, education, and support for families living with disability. Children with disabilities are often seen as less than and looked down upon, and even sometimes hidden away. We know that every person is made in God’s image and has inherent value, dignity, and purpose. We’re committed to providing unwavering support for inspiring parents and caregivers like Anastasia who say, “Yes” to caring for a precious child living with disability. 

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