World · Latin America · 2 hrs ago
Woman with spinal muscular atrophy returns home after 21 years in hospital
Thalita Valter de Carvalho returned to her family home in Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil, after 21 years in hospital.
She has spinal muscular atrophy, a condition that limits her movement and speech.
Thalita had lived at Hospital Jaraguá since she was three months old and had never known her own home.
Her family prepared the house so she could receive the care and equipment she needs there.
Her father, Edvaldo, works for retailer Havan, whose owner Luciano Hang donated 50,000 reais and helped publicize a fundraising campaign.
The campaign raised 300,000 reais, which helped pay for the home adaptations.
Thalita and her mother are now adjusting to life together at home, where her mother cares for her around the clock.
Her family says the return is a new beginning, and they will continue adapting to their new routine.
Thalita Valter de Carvalho, who has spinal muscular atrophy, returned home after 21 years in Hospital Jaraguá.
The 21-year-old arrived at her family’s adapted home in Jaraguá do Sul, in Santa Catarina, on October 30.
Her family prepared the house to provide the conditions and equipment needed for her care.
Businessman Luciano Hang, owner of Havan, visited the family on November 2 after donating R$50,000 and helping publicize a fundraising campaign.
The campaign raised R$300,000 to adapt the home.
- Who
- Thalita Valter de Carvalho, a 21-year-old with spinal muscular atrophy, returned home. Her parents are Jeane and Edvaldo Carvalho.
- What
- She returned home after living in Hospital Jaraguá for 21 years.
- When
- She arrived home on October 30, 2026. Luciano Hang visited on November 2.
- Where
- Jaraguá do Sul, in Santa Catarina, Brazil.
- Why
- Her family prepared and adapted the home to meet her care needs. They wanted her to experience living in her own home.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Luciano Hang learned about the family’s situation, donated R$50,000 and helped publicize its fundraising campaign.
Thalita arrived at her family’s home after 21 years in Hospital Jaraguá.
Hang visited Thalita and her family at their home.
Thalita’s father, Edvaldo, was due to celebrate his birthday.
- Age
- 21 years
- Time in hospital
- 21 years
- Homecoming
- October 30, 2026
- Location
- Jaraguá do Sul, Santa Catarina
- Hang’s donation
- R$50,000
- Campaign total
- R$300,000
3 sources
Após 21 anos no hospital, mãe se emociona com filha de volta à casa e agradece a Luciano Hang: ‘Recomeço’
Luciano Hang ajuda filha de funcionário da Havan com doença rara e morava há 21 anos no hospital a arrecadar R$ 300 mil e finalmente voltar para casa
Filha de funcionário da Havan recebe visita de Luciano Hang em casa adaptada após 21 anos vivendo em hospital de SC: 'Presente de aniversário'
What people are saying
I would not have taken her out of the hospital if everything were not right and comfortable.
Having her at home has no price; we are living a new beginning and, for me, it is truly leaving the maternity ward.
This will be my birthday present. Having my daughter at home is everything I could want.
It is a great emotion to see Thalita here, in her home, with her parents.