Launching Maria is more than a touching story. It is a lesson in courage, love, and perseverance. It shows how one woman’s faith and determination could defy the limits society placed on her child. Through Elizabeth and Maria’s journey, readers see the beauty of believing in someone’s potential. This book inspires hope for anyone facing life’s toughest challenges.
Elizabeth Desimone lived a life dedicated to service, compassion, and the belief that every life has value. As a registered nurse, she worked in diverse and challenging settings, from the Army Nurse Corps during the Korean War to school nursing and jungle public health. Her work as a Maryknoll lay missionary in the remote jungles of Guatemala during the 1970s shaped her deeply, exposing her to both the hardships and the beauty of life in underserved communities. Elizabeth’s heart for helping others extended beyond her professional duties. She had a gift for seeing the person before the disability, the potential before the limitation.
I wrote Launching Maria to share a journey that transformed my life and challenged what I thought was possible. This book is a tribute to my daughter’s strength, our bond, and the belief that love can break barriers. It is my hope that our story inspires others to see potential where the world only sees limits.
Launching Maria tells the heartfelt story of a single mother’s unwavering love and determination. When Elizabeth Desimone met Maria Claudia, an 18-month-old in a Guatemala City orphanage, she saw more than her disabilities. She saw a bright spirit waiting to soar. This meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong journey filled with challenges, growth, and triumphs.
From the moment of adoption in 1984, Elizabeth dedicated herself to helping Maria reach her fullest potential despite physical and mental limitations. The book follows their path through obstacles, victories, and the unshakable belief that every child deserves the chance to shine. Readers will be inspired by the resilience of a mother who refused to accept society’s limitations and by a daughter who learned to live boldly. Launching Maria is not just a personal story. It is a celebration of hope, faith, and the power of unconditional love.
