Introducing A New Webinar Series

We are excited to announce that we are launching a new webinar series! Our pediatric physical therapist, Keely O'Dell will be speaking about common medical needs seen in children available for adoption.

This month we will be focusing on limb deformities/differences. We have Suzanne Meledeo joining us to share her family story of adopting three children with limb difference. You don't want to miss this one!

When: Thursday, August 20

What time: 3:00 PM EDT

Register here!

Just Look At Lucas! {Under Consideration}

Lucas is a darling little boy who just turned 2. His nannies describe him as clever, cute, and happy. He loves to cuddle and has the most charming little laugh!

When we met him in April he very quickly figured out that when he dropped one of the balls it would light up and flash. He loved it!

He is walking independently, walks up and down steps, and can throw a ball. He bangs blocks and likes to scribble with crayons.

Lucas has cleft hands and feet, but like Keely's post stated yesterday, it is all he has ever known, and it doesn't slow him down at all. He has figured out how to do what he wants to do.

He is speaking with single words and understands when his nannies tell him to do something. He is a sweet, outgoing little boy who gets along well with other children.

Could Lucas be your son? He needs a family of his own!

Please contact April Uduhiri at april.uduhiri@gladney.org for more information about making Lucas your son!

Special Focus: Congenital Limb Difference

I am constantly amazed by the resilience and amazing resourcefulness of the children we have met in China with congenital limb difference.  These kids consistently find a way to get things done.  They have never experienced their body any differently, so they intuitively find ways to make it work—to make everything they want to happen, happen.

What is Congenital Limb Difference?

“Congenital “ means the child is born with the condition and “limb difference”, as you may have guessed, refers to any anomaly in the arms or legs. Their limbs are different. It could mean they are missing a bone in their leg, or even an entire hand. It refers to fingers that are fused and feet that are cleft.  It may be that a part of the limb or the whole limb is unusually large, or unusually small.   

What might treatment look like?

Treatments for congenital limb difference varies, depending on the cause and severity of the condition. The goal of treatment is to maximize function, to help them do everything they want to do.  Some children will not need any formal treatment. Some kids might use a prosthetic limb.  For others treatment may include surgeries or therapies.  Other children, especially those with upper limb differences, might benefit from adaptive equipment.

Who should we get involved?

Ideally children with congenital limb differences should be followed by a multidisciplinary clinic including an orthopedic surgeon, physical or occupational therapist and an orthotist/prosthetist.  This team can help your family determine the best plan for your child at every age.

Here are some amazing kids we have met with Congenital Limb Difference:

Jude

Lucas

Gordon

Pearl

Gia

- Keely O'Dell

Resources and Support

Education and Support Resources around Congenital Limb Difference

One Mom’s Perspective on Adopting a Child with Limb Differece

“Different is Awesome” A Children’s Book Written by an Individual with Limb Difference

Levi {Under Consideration}

Today I get to introduce you to a little boy who holds a very special place in my heart. This is Levi. He is almost 3 years old. He loves to talk and will comfort and kiss the younger kids when he sees them lying on the floor.

I first met Levi when he was just a baby. It was so fun to see him again in April and see how he has developed into such a typical 2 year old! He jumped and jumped and jumped! He blows bubbles and, while he doesn't want to stack blocks, he certainly loves knocking them down! He throws and kicks balls and points to objects in a book.

Levi has postoperative hydrocephalus. He has a shunt and seems to be doing very well. 

Levi speaks in short sentences. He answers yes and no questions and follows simple commands. He is concerned about other children and gentle with younger children. He loves to be praised by his caregivers and will smile broadly when they give him a thumbs up.

Doesn't he just sound amazing? I can assure you he is!

Could Levi be your son? Please contact April Uduhiri at april.uduhiri@gladney.org for more information about adopting Levi.

Fabulous Friday News!

Yep! You guessed it! More matches! Today we congratulate the families of:

Lucy

 Jaxon

May the paperwork go smoothly and may these sweet babies be home where they belong as soon as possible!

We are over the moon excited!

{Almost} Wordless Wednesday {Kirby}

Kirby's file was just designated to Gladney, read more about him here and watch his video here.

Precious Paige

Update 10/28/2015: Paige's file is now on the shared list! We would still love to speak with anyone interested in adopting her!



Paige is a very special, beautiful 11 year old girl with a special story. Paige was first seen by Superkids volunteers in 2012. She was using a walker that was way too small for her and yet she was so sweet and helpful in every way that she could be.

I first met her in June of 2013. She was still using that same tiny walker, but this time we determined that on the next trip to visit her we would take an appropriate walker with us! The thing that amazed me about her (besides her gorgeous smile) was the way the younger children gravitated to her! She was so gentle and kind to them. In spite of being unable to walk without assistance, she cared for the younger ones so lovingly.

In June of 2014 I was there when she got her new walker! At first she seemed a little uncertain about it since it was such a big change for her, but it didn't take long for her to gain confidence. One of my favorite memories of her in this year is of her singing a song with Rocky.

I saw her again in April of this year. I was able to show her some pictures of children who had been adopted from the orphanage that she is in. Her sweet face lit up and she was so excited and wanted to be sure that all of the nannies in the room saw the pictures too.

Paige has spina bifida. She is kind and sweet and beautiful. She walks with a walker. She is incontinent but is on a bowel and bladder program. Each time we asked about her file we were told that we had to find a family for her before they would prepare her file.

But... we received a very exciting, welcome surprise. Paige's file just showed up on our list! So now we can really advocate for her!

This precious girl needs a family! She has waited so long! Now is her chance. Can you help us spread the news by sharing this post?

Could Paige be your daughter? Please contact April Uduhiri at april.uduhiri@gladney.org for more information about adopting her.