God Inspired Former Miss Universe’s Life Mission Through Sister’s Disability

Published: December 4, 2024

God Inspired Former Miss Universe’s Life Mission Through Sister’s Disability

By Movieguide® Contributor

Demi-Leigh Tebow, former Miss Universe and wife of NFL star Tim Tebow, is passionate about caring for those with special needs, a mission that started with her little sister.

“My little sister Franje truly is and always will be one of the greatest motivators in my life,” she told the “Jesus Calling” podcast. “I grew up as an only child for the biggest part of my childhood. When I was about to turn ten years old, at my tenth birthday party, my stepmom and my dad gave me a call on the landline and asked if I could run into my mom’s office and receive a fax message. It said, ‘You are going to be a big sister.’”

At 4 months old, Franje was diagnosed with brain dysgenesis and cerebellar agenesis. This caused her to be severely disabled, which ignited a passion in Tebow to help children with disabilities. Tebow did, however, go through a period of anger and confusion over her sister’s diagnosis.

But God did have a plan, and through her sister, Tebow met her husband.

“Franje actually ended up being me and my husband’s little matchmaker,” she recalled.

“My husband’s foundation, The Tim Tebow Foundation, has worked and served and loved on people with special needs and disabilities in various aspects, whether that’s through orphan care and prevention, whether that’s for children with profound medical needs, whether that’s specifically serving children with special needs. One of the initiatives is called Night to Shine, and it is a worldwide celebration for people with special needs and disabilities. And you guessed it, South Africa also has Night to Shine celebrations take place. So, to make a long story short, between Night to Shine and my little sister, that is how I ended up meeting my husband,” Tebow said.

Today, Tebow and her husband serve the Most Vulnerable People around the world through his foundation.

“Our heart at @timtebowfoundation is to fight for the Most Vulnerable People, the MVP— those who have been viewed as less than, insignificant or cursed, who have been thrown away, abandoned, trafficked or orphaned, or are in need of life-changing medical intervention,” Tim posted on Instagram earlier this year. “Just as every life is valuable to God, every life is valuable to us at TTF.”

Recently, Demi returned to South Africa, where she’s originally from, to celebrate the opening of another TTF Promise House in Johannesburg.

“Alongside our Ministry Partner, @impactafrica, we currently operate four TTF Promise Homes in and around Johannesburg. These homes provide babies with safety, loving care, nutrition, health care, wellness, and the opportunity for a forever family,” she wrote. “The loving TTF Impact Baby Rescue team provides around-the-clock care to these precious image-bearers as they work to reunify them with their family or get them ready for adoption.”