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Because every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down Syndrome... |
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Reign
Girl, born December 1999
Cerebral palsy, deep mental handicap
Bedridden and quiet, so heartbreakingly alone.
Families should be HS approved (or close to it) prior to commitment. 10 day wait often waived here. Married couples only, larger families welcome.
Velia
Girl, born August 2000
Down syndrome and cerebral palsy
From someone who met her:
She was in an almost empty room, just with another child next to her. She was rocking and gnawing at the bars of the cot and such a sad sight to behold. My heart just collapsed for her!
Families should be HS approved (or close to it) prior to commitment. 10 day wait often waived here. Married couples only, larger families welcome.
Salome
Girl, born March 1998
Microcephaly, cerebral palsy, deep mental handicap
Salome needs the care and attention of a family, to provide the medical interventions and therapy she so greatly needs.
From someone who met her:
Her thinness is heart stopping! She was twisted and sucking on a bottle, such a lost and forgotten soul! Obviously in such desperate need!
Families should be HS approved (or close to it) prior to commitment. 10 day wait often waived here. Married couples only, larger families welcome.
Della
Girl, born June 2002
Down syndrome, deep mental handicap, deficiency anemia, hypostatura
From someone who met her:
I called her the crying girl as she was sobbing uncontrollably and just being ignored, she had a pencil which she kept turning over and over as she sobbed, it was heartbreaking. This place too cold and hard for such a child!
Families should be HS approved (or close to it) prior to commitment. 10 day wait often waived here. Married couples only, larger families welcome.
Phoenix
Boy, born May 2002
Cerebral palsy, spastic tetraparesis, epilepsy, hydrocephaly, deep mental handicap
From someone who met him:
Bedridden but still able to smile. They seemed particularly keen for me to photograph this child and kept turning his head for a better shot! I sensed that they too spot the potential within this child who smiled from inside his limited life. Somebody please go get this boy out of this cot!
Families should be HS approved (or close to it) prior to commitment. 10 day wait often waived here. Married couples only, larger families welcome.
Solomon
Boy, born March 2001
Significant mental delays, sequela after viral encephalitis, cerebral palsy, tetraparesis, epilepsy
He was a truly desperate sight. He sat rocking back and forth and moaning and staring into space. I wonder how a real life in a family could break the shell he is now locked in. My heart breaks for him even now!
Families should be HS approved (or close to it) prior to commitment. 10 day wait often waived here. Married couples only, larger families welcome.
Morris
Boy, born 2001
Significant mental delays, hydrocephaly, spastic paresis and inborn partial optic atrophy
From someone who met him:
He is a quiet child who smiled every time I looked his way.
Families should be HS approved (or close to it) prior to commitment. 10 day wait often waived here. Married couples only, larger families welcome.
Delmar
Boy, born January, 2004
Down syndrome, mental delays, inborn partial optic atrophy of both eyes
From an adoptive family who visited with him in June 2013: I met Delmar today. He is really tiny … maybe the size of a 3 year old, very petite in build. He was quite shy and didn’t want to come near me. He moved away when I tried to touch his hand. He was more open with the therapist who was there (a guy). Mostly he just sat on a mat, rocking and looking into space. Occasionally he waved his hands around. He’s a beautiful little boy, and was adorable in a tiny pair of overalls.
Families should be HS approved (or close to it) prior to commitment. 10 day wait often waived here. Married couples only, larger families welcome.
Kendall
Girl, born January 2006
cerebral palsy, bigeminal epilepsy, deep mental handicap, inner hydrocephaly, convergent squint
Kendall is a true orphans, as her mother has passed away.
From someone who met her:
She was gorgeous, when I spent time with her she had been taken into the playroom by a caretaker and she was lapping up every single second, she couldn’t stop laughing and grinning; it was a joy to watch! when I compare to pictures I received of her later in her cot it does not look like the same child! She needs a life and love, she could bloom, I know it!
Families should be HS approved (or close to it) prior to commitment. 10 day wait often waived here. Married couples only, larger families welcome.
Iggy
Boy, born Aug 1997
Cerebral palsy, microcephaly, mental delays
What a smiler and an utter sweetheart!
He grinned and laughed and his disposition did not match up to his circumstances or surroundings. In my short time with him he was an utter ray of sunshine.
Families should be HS approved (or close to it) prior to commitment. 10 day wait often waived here. Married couples only, larger families welcome.
Nehemiah
Boy, born January 2000
Cerebral palsy, difficult mental handicap
From someone who met him: When I met him I was heartbroken! More than any child in the institution the sight of this thin boy with his hands tied and blood on his sleeves made me weep! My own child self-harms and I think I connected with this sight…it could have been my angel!! The staff told me he was tied for his protection, as he hurts himself; the holes on his sleeves obviously points to this… my own child has a self-harming syndrome and lives a wondrously happy and fabulous family life! Yes it needs managing but this child in front of me was desperate and my heart literally broke! He needs help and the life I know he can lead!
From an adoptive family who visited with him in June 2013: I met Nehemiah today. He is in a groupa with 7 other boys. In the playroom he sat on a mat with a stuffed lion. He didn’t really interact with me at all. Occasionally he would begin to cry loudly. Luckily, the caregivers responded to him quickly. He has sores all over his hands and wounds on his face. He’s a very attractive little guy, though.
COMPLETED & APPROVED HOME STUDY REQUIRED PRIOR TO COMMITMENT. 10 day wait often waived here. Married couples only, larger families welcome.
Jonathan
Boy, born March 2003
Sequels of encephalitis, convulsive disorder, sensorimotor alalia, deep mental handicap
A terribly sad rocking child whose face showed so much sorrow behind the eyes it was heart wrenching! He moaned and rocked and seemed untouchable! His eyes haunt me even now! How I wish I could have spent more time with him. He so needs a family to wipe away that sorrow.
Families should be HS approved (or close to it) prior to commitment. 10 day wait often waived here. Married couples only, larger families welcome.
Fabio
Boy, born November 2002
Cerebral palsy, spastic tetraparesis, microcephaly, deep mental handicap, carditis, biliary dyskinesia
He was in the same room as Bobby and seemed quite quiet. I would love to see him outside of those stifling rooms.
Families should be HS approved (or close to it) prior to commitment. 10 day wait often waived here. Married couples only, larger families welcome.
Mario
Boy, born May 2001
Mental delays, inborn hydrocephaly, cerebral palsy, anemia
When I met him he was in the institution, but he has since moved to the first happy home (after another boy was adopted) so he is in a much better situation. I know emotionally he suffers, as he cries an awful lot.
Families should be HS approved (or close to it) prior to commitment. 10 day wait often waived here. Married couples only, larger families welcome.
Blaine
Boy, born Sept 1999
Cerebral palsy, deep mental handicap, hydrocephaly, complete vascular leukoma, corneal staphyloma, inborn optic atrophy
This child is rather calm, but always smiles when somebody touches him, and always tries to walk with somebody’s support.
From a family who met him in June 2013: I met Blaine today. When I arrived at the orphanage he was being stretched by the therapist. He seemed to really like the therapist and would crawl to him and hold up his hands so that he could stand up. He can walk if you hold both his hands, and I saw him in a gait trainer, too. It’s very difficult for him to walk as he doesn’t seem to be able to fully straighten his legs. Blaine smiles a lot and seemed to be a pretty happy kid. He did get mad about something and have a tantrum, but it passed quickly. He rocks a lot and makes repetitive noises. He came over to sit by me and took my hand from another child’s so he could hold it. He was very interested in my iPhone.
From someone who met him: He was a bundle of smiles, just desperate to interact with us. [One of the men] picked him up and swung him, they obviously have built up a relationship and he shrieked with laughter…it was joyous! He was made to sit next to Tania for a picture, she hated it but he was just fine! He would blossom in a family and with a life!
Families should be HS approved (or close to it) prior to commitment. 10 day wait often waived here. Married couples only, larger families welcome.
Miriam
Girl, born August 2007
Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities, myopia
Miriam also has significant signs of FAS, although that is not diagnosed
From someone who met her:
I loved this child but she seemed so lost…she had only just arrived at the institution when I visited and she was bewildered! She is TINY. She is the child we all talk about, the child plucked from the baby house at 5 and left in a cot! She is the child forgotten and alone!
I was told she could walk, in fact she is the only child in the bedridden building who can walk, and then without warning she was swooped from her cot and paraded in front of me. A recent update says she is still moving and can still walk and she cries if she doesn’t get her walk! And she is still laughing and playing; but for how much longer?
She needs OUT! She needs a Mama, NOW!
Families should be HS approved (or close to it) prior to commitment. 10 day wait often waived here. Married couples only, larger families welcome.
Vance
Boy, born 2001
Down syndrome
Vance is a cute, outgoing boy, with a winning smile! He loves to play outside – particularly swinging and playing soccer. He enjoys drawing and playing with puzzles and bricks.
Vance has a significant speech delay, but interacts with others using gestures and expresses himself well.
Leroy
Boy, born February 2001
cerebral palsy, cognitive delays, spastic diplegia, inborn hydrocephalus, secondary cardiopathy
Leroy is one of the cleverest kids there, and he speaks a lot – he is rather impudent 
He gets sad, when other children get presents and he doesn’t. He understands much and likes ice-cream.
From someone who met him in 2012:
I thought he was wonderful…again one of the lucky 9 boys to be in the small group home, picked because he is so very able. He is clever and could achieve much. He was full of smiles and laughter when I met him. He was very polite and enjoyed the excitement of a visit. He really would thrive in a home environment.
Orion
Boy, born January 2001
microcephaly, hydrocephaly, cognitive delays, deficiency anemia, oligotrophy
He is a very funny boy! Previously, the caretakers thought he was a mean boy, but moving to a smaller group helped him, significantly. He has a speech delay; he often says just the first syllable of each word, but in a few days you can understand much of what he is saying. Orion likes to help.
From someone who met him in 2012:
Oh my goodness, what a live wire! He ran to me with that massive, heartwarming smile, and beckoned me to follow him into the classroom that’s part of his small home. He ran so excited to get his books and was so proud of how he is learning to write. Orion is such a clever capable boy and so full of life. He played with us and screamed with laughter and was just so lovely. I cannot even say how wonderful he would be in a real home…he would be an amazing son. You simply cannot help but love mischevious, wonderful, funny, amazing Orion!
Ryker
Boy, born July 1999
mental delays, exomphalos (weakness of the abdominal wall), multiple birth defects of visual analyzers (he is blind on his right eye and missing his left eye)
From someone who met him in 2012:
This beautiful child really touched me,and got into my heart probably more so than any child there! He was sat happily with a caregiver at a table when I first saw him, he was keen to follow the noise of all the commotion my appearance brought about and was soon being helped towards me by this caregiver (he can walk but is blind).
He was delighted to say hello and was soon finding a way to climb into my lap, where he firmly remained. I made popping noises into his ear which he thought was so funny. What a cuddly, soft, gentle, smiling, loving child. I didn’t want to leave him and when the time came and I had to, it took a caregiver to drag him off me, he was sobbing at my leaving and my heart broke for him!
Later I returned to the building (about 40 minutes later) and he was still sat at the top of the stairs, as he heard somebody approaching he starting making the same popping noises I had done earlier, it was as if he was asking if it was me! When I did the noise back he grinned from ear to ear and held his arms out! How I wish he could have come home with me, it will always break my heart that I had to leave him there. He is a beautiful soul!
Violet
Girl, born July 2003
Diagnosis: hydrocephaly, mental delays
She likes to play, tries to walk alone, but needs assistance. She doesn’t speak, but understands much.
From someone who met her in 2012:
When I walked into the room packed with children, her smile and wave and joy stood out more than all the chaos and heartbreak and noise. She was a darling and I just know she would be amazing to have as a daughter.
Emil
Born December 1999
Diagnosis: cerebral palsy and down syndrome
From someone who met him in 2012:
Emil was the gentlest child ever! Unable to talk but the pleading in his eyes killed me! He grabbed my finger and wouldn’t let go…what a grip! He also got really hit a few times by others wanting my attention, he didn’t retaliate but fell in a heap and moved away, only to return when the coast was clear. I would love to see this child in a nurturing environment!
Emil is able to walk.
Randall
Boy, born 1999
Down syndrome; infantile cerebral paralysis
Randall is a handsome young man who likes to play outside, and is described as gentle with others. He is a sunny, cheerful boy, who also enjoys arts and crafts. He’s non-verbal, but is curious and open-hearted.
From a family who met him in summer 2012:
It took us a few days to really get to know Randall. He was not seeking out all the attention that some of the others were. He was content to swing and sing to himself while waiting patiently for someone to kick a soccer ball with him. Oh how he loves to kick a soccer ball.
He is such a kind gentle boy. He would patiently wait to ask to look through our photobooks. Unlike some of the others he was happy to just look – he didn’t need extra attention while looking through it. He was the most careful with the books always being sure to return them safely.
He has some speech issues. He talks and sings but is hard to understand. I think just before we left he was taken for surgery on his palate which may be why he has speech issues.
In addition to swinging and kicking the soccer ball he loves crafts (stringing tiny beads and coloring) He loved the electronic toys we brought – remote control helicopter and translator. But unlike many of the others he always waited his turn, was careful with the items and always gave it to the next boy when his time was up!
Unfortunately Randall is older – his time is running out!! It’s a pretty easy region – the 10 day wait has been waived in the past – and the boys are taken care of.
Katrina
Girl, Born December 2001
Oh what a miracle, to have an updated photo of Katrina!!! And there is the light I knew had to be there! She doesn’t realize it, but now that she has a profile here on Reece’s Rainbow, Katrina has a CHANCE…a chance for a new life, a family of her own, to get out of these four walls and to have something to smile about.
From her medical records: Down syndrome, significant cognitive delay (coupled with FAS), flatfoot, partial atrophy of optic nerves, esotropia, secondary cardiomyopathy.
From a missionary who visited with her in March 2012: Oh my heart…I so wanted to bring her home! She is a giggly soft hearted darling…she needs a mama!
Katrina and Tania can be adopted together if a family is approved and interested. Families should be HS approved (or close to it) prior to commitment. 10 day wait often waived here. Married couples only, larger families welcome, travel required.
Tania
Girl, born August 2002.
She is said to be independant and active, and she especially loves to swing. She is shy with other children, and seeks attention from adults, cuddling up when hugs and affection are available.
From her medical records: Down syndrome, esotropia, flatfoot, secondary cardiomyopathy.
From a missionary who visited with her in March 2012: One time the care giver made her sit with other children she was so desperate for me all to herself shecried! she really didnt want to share me. This is seriously one child who wants a Mama! She seemed so bright, there is so much potential here being wasted. She whacked the other children to keep them away from me but I could tell she was not an aggressive child. Tania is fiesty and able and just desperate for love! I loved her!!! I wanted to bring her and Katarina home. Tania is always active and she loves playing with her swing set, unlike the other kids who rather just play with their toys. The child is a bit shy around the children of her age. However, she is very brave and courageous when dealing with new visitors. The girl suffers from a lack of motherly care and gentleness, so she is attracted to everyone who is nice and kind to her. She hides her lonely soul behind the wall of her active and independent lifestyle. But as soon as she receives a warm hug and a little love, the mischievous girl suddenly becomes docile and calm.
Larger families, older parents welcome. Travel required. This region does often waive the 10-day waiting period!
Evan
Boy, Born June 2003
Diagnosis: cerebral palsy, epileptic syndrome, significant mental delays. Unable to walk, spastic/tight muscles. Evan is blessed to still be at the baby house (as of March 2010), but once he is transferred, he will spend the rest of his short life bedridden. Please consider being a loving family for Evan!
From a missionary who visited with him in March 2012: Evan is also in the boys new house where just 9 children are. He was gentle, lovey, cuddly and just so sweet. He is severely delayed but a gentle delight to be around and he loved stacking blocks with me. He was picked on quite a bit by the others who I saw hitting him. Felt so desperate for him.
From a family who met him in summer 2012:
One of the boys I worry most about is Evan. He appears to have cerebral palsy. He is stiff and a bit distorted. He does not have the luxury of PT and OT to help him function better. He sits hour after hour in a wheel chair. He will not be one that is given a job on the grounds like the others. As he gets older and bigger he will be moved to a bed and left there. He will be put in a diaper and left in bed – fed there and left – the diaper changed once or twice a day. He will no longer be taken outside he will just be left to lay there.
As I pushed our son’s wheelchair back to the house I waved at Evan. His eyes came to life – he was noticed. Later when I returned he waved and smiled. After that I made it a point to include Evan as much as possible. I would push his wheelchair to where the group was. If we were playing with balloons I would make sure he had one. He soon learned to pop the balloon. He thought it was hysterical. It also got him attention – everyone would look.
Of all the kids there I think he has the most room for improvement. With a family that will stretch him and help him I think he has a ton of potential! He is speech delayed also but again has so much potential.
Jason
Boy, Born April 10, 2003
HELP! I have been transferred to a remote institution, with no hope of finding my family without you!
Jason spends his time either in a crib or in a stroller, sitting outside.
He needs a lot of love and attention … He is a good, sweet child, but he has a lot of self-injuring behaviors. Unfortunately, he is often restrained because he hits himself really hard.
Update Nov 2012: Jason is learning to walk with support!
From a family who visited with him in June 2013: I saw Jason this morning. I got to take him for a walk in the stroller, play with him, feed him (twice!), and get him ready for his nap. He is wonderful. He loved it when I made my hand crawl up his belly and tickle him under the chin. I was rewarded with loud laughing and a huge smile. He liked to have me rub his feet, and whenever I would stop he would stick his little foot up for more. He makes noises but he does not talk. He can walk if he holds both of your hands, but he prefers to crawl as he can go faster. He is the king of the bouncy seat. He sits in it whenever he can, and he shooed away another child who came too close. He is about the size of a four year old and is in a 4/5 shirt. He’s heavier than I thought he would be, but I can carry him easily. I’m totally in love.
Families should be HS approved (or close to it) prior to commitment. 10 day wait often waived here. Married couples only, larger families welcome.
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ABC NEWS: Hidden Angels
Diane Sawyer reports on the adoption of Mia Cox:
