31 for 21 -day 17-can you help?

Raul

Adoption is important to our family, all children need families, from kids in foster care to international orphans. We advocate for special needs adoption because these precious little children are often the ones that get left behind. With hundreds of thousands of orphans with CP, heart conditions, limb differences, cleft lip and palate, spina bifida, all the trisomies, HIV positive, FAS, FAE, autism, the list goes on and on, all of these children are the ones potential parents say they do not want, they want a perfect child, one who has no issues. Well unless you are us or thousands of other families like us. We ask for the kids with a little something extra because we see them as simply children. Children we love and adore.

I got an email today from the Wisconsin chapter of Gift of Adoption, one of their grant families has requested help in placing a wonderful little boy who has CP. Here is his email.

I recently became aware of a 6 yr old boy in an orphanage in Eastern Europe who is in desperate need of a family to give him a home.

The boy's name is Raul. He is 6 years old and has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He is about to age out of his orphanage and into an institution for adults and children with handicaps, unless a family comes forward very soon. Not only are the conditions much more harsh at this facility, but his moving there will sadly end his chances for adoption.

I came to know of Raul's story because his sister was adopted about a year and a half ago with the help of a GOA grant. I have stayed in contact with her adoptive mother from time to time, but I just learned earlier this week for the first time about Raul. They have remained in contact with Raul through some people from Bethany Christian Services who are ministering at the orphanage. They are all working feverishly to find a home for Raul before it is too late, but have as yet been unsuccessful.

They describe Raul as someone who could make huge and immediate strides given the care, attention and love of a family. He is sweet, affectionate, happy, aware and interactive. But yet he is just now receiving (limited) therapy that his helping him to walk with assistance and to pick up cheerios with two fingers, and there are many unanswered questions about his long term cognitive capabilities. I am not certain of the degree or level of his CP.

This is obviously not an easy child to place, but I know in my heart that there is a family out there somewhere that can give him what he needs. I also know that Raul has so much to give back to that family; he just needs help in finding that family.

So...I am writing to ask if you might have the time and heart to help spread Raul's story. I feel a real sense of urgency given his condition and his age and would so much appreciate anyone who might help make the critical connection that is required for him to find a family and for a family to find him.

End of email. (edited per request)

I have not included the email address as I was not given permission to, but I can and will send it to whomever asks about Raul privately, I will ask what other information I can share.

I have seen pictures of poorly run institutions, please do not let Raul end up in a place where he will like lose all mobility as he could be tied to a bed all day as so many kids are. I did get two very tiny pictures of Raul, I hope you can see him. Please open you hearts and minds to this little boy, pray for him, spread the word about him.

I know this is not about Down syndrome, but it is about finding a home for a very special little boy, he needs his forever family.