LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Sandy Venditelli's smile helps her hide some awful truths about her past. As a child she grew up in and out of foster care and suffered from abuse throughout her adult years.
When she met her husband, she found a way to turn her pain into purpose by saving kids who were once just like her.
"Me and my husband started taking in special needs foster children. In 32 years we have taken in over 200 children," Venditelli said.
Venditelli suffers from a congenital eye disease which left her blind and a rare neurological disorder confines her to a reclining chair.
Despite her challenges, Venditelli presses on, turning negatives into positives.
Her adopted son Brandon is autistic and was abandoned by his biological mother at four months old.
His one wish this holiday season is a handicap accessible shower for his mom, who has a hard time because of her condition.
"With my neurological disorder I live in a lot of pain and I can't get in a regular shower, we have to go to a local hotel where I can use a handicap shower," Venditelli said.
Brandon's wish is coming true, thanks to the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation who is providing Venditelli with an accessible shower for her needs.
13 Days and Knights of Giving is sponsored by Golden Knights Foundation, Subaru of Las Vegas and America First Credit Union.