Latest News

Lots of activity going on here behind the scenes! I am working closely with other advocates on getting updates on many of the kids. Also, a new all-inclusive advocacy website is in the works. It will be amazing, for sure!
More of that looong list of waiting kids from 2009 coming soon.
Busy busy busy!!

They Are Still Waiting! -Part One

I came across a very bittersweet email tonight, while going through my saved advocacy emails. This email was from June 16th, 2009. It was from my agency, and it was basically a "snapshot" of the shared list on that very day....along with the descriptions of the agency's designated (assigned) children.
My daughter's agency nickname and info was on that list. And so were the nicknames and info for roughly a thousand or so other children waiting for families to call their own.
We locked my daughter's file that very day, almost 3 years ago.
So I start going through that list, and checking it with this month's shared list. Surely, most of those children were now home with their families too!
I wish that was the case. I wish I could tell you that I didn't find ONE child who still waited for their parents.
But I did. I found hundreds. Hundreds of fake names, dates-of-birth, and diagnoses. My daughter was just a fake name, date-of-birth and a diagnosis. A poorly-translated diagnosis, at that.
So I decided to do something. I am going to share with you all that list. Well, it's sort of a 'new' list, because it now has only those left waiting on the shared list on it.
Please read through this list. Don't overlook a line b/c of the age of the child. Look at every.single.name and ask yourself "Is this my child?" "Could I parent a child with this diagnosis?" "I wonder what this child looks like?" "I wonder what province this child is in?". Open yourself up to the possibility that YOUR child is one of these names, dates, and diagnoses.
And share this post with anyone who might be open to adopting a waiting Chinese child. You just never know...there are Red Threads everywhere:)
Now, without further ado.... Part One of that list:

English Name   Gender    DOB         Special Need

BRISTA       FEMALE   2005-08-28   right inguinal hernia; mental retardation

BELLARD      MALE    1999-07-01   CLEFT LIP/PALATE

CABET        MALE    1999-07-01   Congenital Heart Disease

CURDEN      MALE    2008-10-20    1.congenital microcornea 2. cataract

BALO        MALE     3/18/2003    Cleft Lip/Palate

BENNER      MALE    2002-05-01    Delayed mental development

ADRIEL      FEMALE   2004-03-18    Ophthalmic disease, vision disability of both eyes

ANNER      FEMALE   2000-10-18  Low grade cerebral palsy, left eye anopsia, intelligence        development under the average

BENDER      MALE     2003-04-29    Cerebral palsy

BLUND       MALE     2005-01-22    Cerebral palsy

BROOD       MALE     2002-08-14    Postoperative congenital cataract of both eyes; dropped upper eyelids of both eyes

CODE        MALE     2002-01-27   Ophthalmic disease; glaucoma repaired

CAMMER     MALE     2006-07-21   Blind in both eyes

CARMELO     MALE     2002-04-20   Ophthalmic disease: information not yet translated

CLINTER      MALE     2002-05-10   Blind in both eyes

SQUIRE      MALE     2001-01-12   Cerebral palsy (mild), left side

SPRINGER    MALE     2005-04-06 Opthalmic Disease: congenital microphthalmia of both eyes, coloboma of iris

STORMY     FEMALE   2001-05-30   Delayed mental development (minor)

PELHAM    MALE     2003-02-16   autism

CARE     FEMALE     2006-02-03   Blind in both eyes

PALMA   FEMALE     2005-02-20   congenital corneal leukoma of both eyes, left eye blinded

HOUSTON   MALE    2004-07-16  Ophthalmic Disease: postoperative congenital catarac,later seizure disorders and nystagmus

LISE      FEMALE      2003-11-28  1.corneal staphyloma of right eye ; 2.corneal leukoma of left eye.

IBAN     MALE        2003-03-17   Congenital glaucoma and leukoma of both eyes

HOLLAND   FEMALE     1998-05-24    Congenital first-class blindness

IGNACIO   MALE       2004-02-28    Congenital blindness (corneal leukoma,atretopsia)

IRISH     MALE       2005-09-09    Blind in both eyes

NEVEAH   FEMALE      1998-06-26     Both eyes blind

AFFLECK   MALE      2005-01-24      Blind in both eyes

AFFON    MALE        2006-02-13     Bilateral keratomalacia, right corneal leukoma, left atrophia bulbi.

FARLET   MALE       2001-02-11       Blind, atrophy of both eyeballs

FARGOS  MALE       2004-01-07     Blind, eternal and original proliferation of vitreous body for both eyes

CAMELA   FEMALE    2002-03-05     Congenital anophthalmus of both eyes

FIFET    MALE      1998-02-18    Degenerated globe associated with atrophy of both eyes; no vision of both eyes

FINLAR   MALE     2000-04-01    congenital corneal leukoma, congenital mircophthalmia

FROID        MALE   1999-02-15    Blind, congential atrophy of both eyes

BENJAMIN    MALE    2000-04-01     left eyeball atrophy, leucoma

DALE        MALE    2004-03-19    nanophthalmos of right eye, atrophy of both eyeballs

FRANCIS     MALE    1998-02-28     epilepsy

DEXTER      MALE    2002-04-22     DST abnormal, blindness of both eyes, Blood Rt. (illegible). Results of other items in the physical examination are normal

MARVIN       MALE    2004-09-25    left oblique indirect hernia

GIBDON       MALE    2003-12-25    Postoperative cataract

PANSY       FEMALE   2002-04-01    Cerebral palsy, delayed mental development

EVERETT      MALE    2006-03-09   both eyes acroisa (congenital microphthalmia), corneal macula

HANKLE      MALE      2002-01-20    Congential acroisa

HANS       MALE     2003-01-05    post-operative CHD, mild reflux of bicuspid valve, moderate reflux of AV

HORDON     MALE      2004-05-24   Urinogenital system deformity; Hepatitis B virus carrier

CLAYLA    FEMALE      1999-10-27       Right limb palsy

JAXTON     MALE       2005-08-16       Dysplasia of bilateral cerebral hemisphere

CANDICE   FEMALE      2000-09-01       Postoperative meningocele; deformity of both feet, prolaspe of the anus

JIMLY      MALE       2002-10-08   Congenital cataract (post operation), congential nystagmus

Did you read them ALL?? Good! Now, if you are curious about any of these children, please contact me or comment here. Chances are good that I have more information on them. And chances are good that if I don't have info, I know someone who does;)

Katherine and Reaching Out

It has been brought to my attention that a young lady named Katherine has started a blog about orphan support and reaching out to China's orphans. What a wonderful idea! Please take a moment to go and visit Katherine's blog at www.reachoutchina.blogspot.com

Thanks:)

Shauna

This is beautiful, 11 year old Shauna:

She has had surgery to repair a meningocele, and while there was a question of hydrocephalus, I don't see any formal diagnosis or treatment in her file.

Shauna was found at age 2, with her meningocele unrepaired. She does not have control of her bowel and bladder at this time. She can walk, however.

Shauna is described as a lovely girl, who is obedient, introverted and has great self-care skills. Shauna actually *likes* doing chores!! What a girl!!

Shauna needs the love of a family, and she needs it now!





"Tinker" Belle

This beautiful little pixie reminds me of tinkerbelle, so I have nicknamed her Belle.

Belle is about to turn 4 years old next month. She has nanopthalmos and strabismus, and limited vision. Belle doesn't let her weak vision slow her down! She is developmentally on target, and is loved by her foster family.

Belle is said to have adorable dimples when she smiles, which reportedly she does often:) She loves to sing and hum, and her favorite toy is a toy piano. Maybe a future singer/songwriter? Belle's favorite food is "meatballs and rice with minced meat and mushrooms". I'll bet she'd LOVE spaghetti!

Is there a spaghetti-loving family out there for Miss Belle??

Lovely Leia

This beauty is Leia:

Leia is 4 years old, and has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy.Her head CT in 2010 came back as normal. However, a second opinion was sought (not sure why) at a different hospital. Another doctor looked at the same CT and said it was abnormal. Obviously, further studies will need to be done. Leia is described as shy, obediant and quiet, often sharing smiles with her nannies, who love her very much. She  is especially attached to her main ayi, and I'm sure the feeling is mutual:)

Leia can walk, run and jump like other children. She speaks well and can sing many children's songs. Leia loves it when her ayi takes her outside, and plays happily the whole time.



Just look at that face! She seems to be saying "Look at me, Mommy & Daddy! I'm right here, waiting for you!".  Who is the lucky family that will be putting a smile on Leia's face?

Jo Jo

Jo Jo, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

**Warning: TMI alert!** Sharing info to help Jo Jo's family find him!!
This is 3 year old Jo Jo. Isn't he adorable?? Poor Jo Jo is listed on the shared list as a hermaphrodite. Jo Jo is genetically a boy. 100%. But testing couldn't be done right away, so there you have it.
I am a medical professional, but I am *not* diagnosing here...just my 2 pennies: Jo Jo appears to have micro-penis and undescended testes. The very first ultrasound showed neither testes or a uterus. The most recent ultrasound showed both testes and a penis, although all were in the pelvic cavity. A DNA test showed 46xy, normal male chromosomes. There is also one picture in his Chinese file of the area in question.
According to an update in his file, Jo Jo is being raised as a boy. He is active and curious, as any little boy should be;) Jo Jo is developmentally on track, and doing well physically.
Where are Jo Jo's Mommy and Daddy? He's waiting for you!!

Mia

Mia, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

5 year old Mia is a diva princess-in-training! She is the only girl in her foster family, with 3 foster brothers.. and she is said to be very close to (and spoiled by) her foster mother:) She has made great strides since coming into care at age 2. Mia has club feet and an unexplained weakness in her legs and feet. Both x-rays of her legs and a head CT came back completely normal, with the exception of her club feet. Mia can walk with a walker well, and can dress and undress herself, if the clothes are light and simple (she has trouble with winter clothing). She is described as beautiful and intelligent. Mia loves dolls, dolls and more dolls!! She makes dolls out of "paper cups" and likes paper folding crafts.
Mia is going to make one lucky family VERY happy.....is it you??

Ellen

Ellen, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

This studious young lady is Miss Ellen. Ellen is an 11 year old girl, diagnosed with epilepsy, strabismus and part of her parietal bone is absent.
Here is what her caregivers have to say about Ellen:
Y Y is outgoing and active; she is warm to others and gets along well with the aunts of the welfare institute. She is happy to help the aunt to do something what she can do and help other younger children; for example, in the class she would help the classmate; after class she would help the teacher to clean the classroom on her own initiative. She always smiles, and would say hello to them when seeing others
In the institute she is a small star; she is versatile, often takes part in the performance of Arts in this institute; she has strong desire for performance; every time she dare to have a performance in front of others. If you praise her, she will say to you happily “aunt, I am going to sing for her again.”

She sounds like a star in the making!

Ellen takes daily medication for her epilepsy, however she is still having seizures every 3 to 4 days. She needs a family who can get the proper testing done so that her seizures can be completely controlled.

Jacob

Jacob, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

This cute little guy is Jacob. Jacob is almost 2 years old and has been diagnosed with post operative meningocele and hydrocephalus. Jacob is described as quiet and gentle. What a cutie pie!

Stuart

Stuart, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

This chunker right here is Stuart:) He is 2 years old and shares the same diagnosis as my Liya: left cerebral hypoplasia, or under-developed left hemisphere. This causes his right arm and leg to be weak. The fact that he is using his right hand to hold onto the bar in this pic is very promising! Stuart can walk, and is especially fond of his "little brother" in the orphanage. What a great big (or little) brother he will make!! Where is his family??

Wei Wei

Wei Wei, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

This is 13 year old Wei Wei. He will turn 14 in September, and needs a family before that time. Wei Wei has nanopthalmos (abnormally small eyeballs) and has minimal vision. He loves to sing, and is described as clever, outgoing and sensible. Wei Wei was abandoned at age 8, and his faith in family needs to be restored. Is there a forever family out there for Wei Wei??

Eli

Eli, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

Time for some baby-cuteness!! This is little Eli, and he is just 1 year old. Eli is probably only still waiting because his file has never been translated. He is on the shared list, and ANY agency can lock his file and request a translation! Eli's listed need is CHD (Congenital Heart Disease). Quick, somebody scoop this guy up and love on him!!

Nathan

Nathan, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

This special boy is Nathan. Nathan is deaf, and also has had surgery for glaucoma and a cataract. He is described as optimistic, always happy, always smiling. Nathan also is a prankster;)
Nathan has taught himself how to both read lips AND talk!! What a resilient boy!! His teachers love him, and can't say enough about him.
This boy would truly brighten up a family's future!

Geoffrey

Geoffrey, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

This is Geoffrey, and like Xavier (who is at the same orphanage as him!) he will soon turn 14 years old. Geoffrey needs a family who can adopt him before that time (April).
Geoffrey is deaf, and also has Hep B. He is described as very smart and talented in art. He is said to love school, and in the past he won an award for being "All Around Best Student". Geoffrey so deserves to know the love of a family!

Matt

Matt, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

Here's another attention-loving boy: Matt! Matt is 10 years old (this pic is very old!), and he is deaf. Matt is described as outgoing and mischievious, and is quite the impressionist. He does an outstanding imipression of "The Monkey King". He *loves* Ultraman!! Matt likes to play pranks on the other kids and nannies. Matt is so full of sunshine and light....he would absolutely light up a lucky family's life!

Wally

Wally, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

Oh, my....what a wonderful son Wally will make for a lucky family!! I see a career in front of the camera for this guy:)
Wally is 5 years old, and while he is listed as having atelencephalia, a head CT came back *completely normal*! According to his nannies, the ONLY delay he shows is in his speech. Wally is described as "very smart", friendly and loving toward his foster brothers. Everyone who meets Wally loves him...even the owners of the corner grocery store. Wally will ask for money for that store and his big brother will walk him there often. If he doesn't have any money, he will sometimes just walk out with what he wants. The shop owners see him, and let him do it!! They will then go and tell his nannies. Evidently, his cuteness lets him get away with things....uh-oh!
Surely there is a family looking for an outgoing, smart and one-of-a-kind boy like Wally!

13 yr old Trey ages out March 4 2012!

My wonderful fellow advocate Kenlyn just posted about Trey, another teenager who is about to turn 14. He will no longer be available for adoption after that. Here is her post:


Until All The Children Come Home: 13 yr old Trey ages out March 4 2012!: Please take a look at wonderful Trey! Trey loves to cook and is described as being a sunshine boy!  Amy from Lifeline has asked for help...

Bo- Aging out in February!

Bo, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

Time has almost run out for Bo. He turns 14 next month, and he would need a family who is already about to travel for an adoption to commit to him. Bo needs a miracle!!
Bo is listed as having epilepsy. There is no mention of medication, or what type of epilepsy he has. He is described as outgoing and active. Bo loves to jump rope and play ball. Is there a family about to travel that could open their hearts to Bo??

Pin It

Kai

Kai, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

Kai really needs an update, because his file is a bit confusing. Some documents have his DOB in 2002 and some have his DOB in 2000. That can be a BIG difference, especially since he is listed as having delays. Kai is an adorable boy, described as friendly, helpful and curious. He looks like he likes bikes, too!

Leo

Leo, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

***Leo has a FAMILY!!!***
Ah, Leo....I fell in love with this little guy while reading his file. This one is a GEM, folks! Leo was found as a baby with a freshly sutured incision on the right side of his head. There was no note to explain the wound. As he grew, his caregivers noticed that Leo's left side was a bit weaker than his right. So he has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Leo's caregivers say he is not delayed and is at the same level as his age-mates. He is described as SMART, loving, mischevious, blows kisses, speaks well. Leo is just 3 years old, and waiting ever-so-patiently for his mommy and daddy.

Pang Pang

Pang Pang, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

Look at that infectious grin! This is Pang Pang, a 10 year old cutie pie who has cerebral palsy. Pang Pang has only been in the orphanage for 2 short years, but everyone loves him there. He is described as very caring and insightful, outgoing, friendly, well-liked, loves to dance and help others. He sounds like a fun-loving kind of guy! Where are his parents?

Luke

Luke, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

This is Luke. He is now almost 10, so this pic is a bit old. Luke has had at least one cleft lip/palate repair done. He is described as active and smart. Luke likes to watch tv and read. He was abandoned at age 4. He needs a mom and dad!!

Jason **UPDATE & PICS**

Here is Jason's update:

 His current measurements are: Height: 120cm; Weight: 27kg; Foot: 22cm. He is limited by his limb deformities. But he has received amputation surgery in Mar of 2011 via “Tomorrow Plan” and he had artificial limb in May. He is walking alone now. He was sent to preschool close to the orphanage in this Feb. He is doing pretty good in preschool. Because there is a lot that he has never learned, he is trying hard to catch up. He is smart though. At most time, he enjoys activities, watch cartoon, play with balls and cars. His closest friend is L.Y. He envies other children when he saw them leaving with their forever families one after another one. He really likes to be adopted by a foreign family. He wish he will have his own family.

Look how handsome Jason is!!!

Jason, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

Couldn't you just die from the sweetness of this pic??? This is a very old pic of Jason, for he is now 8 years old. But I'm sure he is still just as adorable!! Maybe more!
Jason has limb differences affecting his right hand and leg. An update on Jason is desperately needed, and I am working on one now.

Sawyer

Sawyer, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

Look at that precious face!! This is Sawyer, a 2 year old boy with CHD (single ventricle) and cured syphillis. Sawyer is described as active and happy. He needs a family who can get him the treatment he needs to live a long happy life!

Hai Hai

Hai Hai, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

This is the adorable Hai Hai. He is 2 years old and he has right microtia, torticollis (wry neck), and a cleft in his mouth. Hai Hai currently resides at Swallow's Nest Foster Home in Henan Province. He is described as an active little guy who loves to cuddle. Who wouldn't want to cuddle with Hai Hai?

Derek

Derek, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

This handsome guy is 8 year old Derek. Derek has had at least one surgery for cleft lip already. He is also Hep B positive. He is described as very smart, active, caring and curious. Derek was abandoned at age 5, and says he just wants a mother and father who will love him. How heart-wrenching is that? Are his loving parents reading this??

Chip is a Cutie!

Chip, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

This is 7 year old Chip. He is listed as having disabled limbs, but there is no English translation in his file. So let's just imagine for a moment what Chip is like. He's 7, so he might like playing outside, climbing, toy cars. Or maybe he likes music and art. Let's not pass Chip up just yet because of the unknowns. He is on the shared list and I have his DOB. Any agency could lock his file and request a translation, maybe even an update! Chip's sweet eyes seem to be begging for a chance. Just.one.chance. Will you give him that chance?

Handsome Xavier Needs A Family SOON!

This is Xavier. Isn't he so handsome?

This picture was taken when he was around 9 years old. Xavier is now 13 years old, and turning 14 in April. He needs a family before that time!

Xavier is deaf and mute. But that is only a diagnosis...those words do not define him! Here is what his caregivers had to say in a very recent update:

Though X cannot hear and speak, he is clever, skillful with his hands, open-minded, has creative ideas and can imitate what he sees vividly. Because he is outgoing and optimistic he gets along well with other children, rests at home at ordinary times, takes an initiative to help the caretakers do something he can after finishing his homework, takes good care of younger children and protects the girls, and is the “little gentleman” here. He is so cute that it is difficult for the caretakers not to love him.

Now he is in the third grade in Zhengzhou City Blind and Deaf-mute School. Because the welfare institute is far away from the school, he lives in the school and only comes back to the institute on weekends. He behaves well in school, not only works hard, but also ready to help others. As the oldest child in class, he often helps the students and teachers clean and decorate the classroom. The classmates take him as a bog brother and like to study and play with him. The teachers often praise him and consider him as a good helper. He always finishes everything in a perfect way. He is organized and can help the teachers organize the students when there is any activity in class. He has good self-care ability, and can tidy his own room and wash clothes whether in school or the institute.

He sounds like such a great boy, doesn't he? Please spread the word about Xavier. He is on the shared list, and in Zhengzhou CWI. His time is almost up!!

Vivian

Vivian, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

Vivian is a 6 year old girl who has several vertebral (spine) issues, and possibly Arnold Chiari Malformation. Despite her challenges, Vivian is developmentally in the same range as her peers. She is a neat and clean girl who loves to help her nannies do chores. If they do not let her help them, she will cry. What a sweetheart!

Zander Is Running Out Of Time!

**Update! A family has locked Zander's file, and plans to send LOI soon!**

This just in: NO orphanage fees to adopt Zander! Absolutely no orphange fees!

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This extremely handsome young man is Zander. Zander will turn 14 in April, and he desperately needs a family before then! Here is what his caregivers say about him: According to the CWI, he is very smart and thoughtful. He studies hard and has kept to be the top three highest achievers in his grades. He has wide interest, loves to play basketball, play guitar, computer etc. All the teachers and caregivers love him and want him to have a better future of having a family of his own. We are working on getting more pics, info and possibly video of Zander to help his family find him. Won't you please spread the word??

Zoe/Georgette

Zoe is a 4 year old cutie that I advocated for last year. She is now Georgette with Lifeline Children's Services. Georgette has been diagnosed with circumscribed cerebral atrophy of left hemisphere and temporo parietal cerebromalacia. There is also mention of a possible heart issue, which was not in her original file. 

You can see some really cute videos of Georgette by clicking here and scrolling down to her name. 

She seems to be doing really well developmentally, as you will see in the videos. Somebody grab this girl up quick!!

Naomi and Ping

Meet Naomi and Ping:)
These girls are living together in the same orphanage, and both are currently on the shared list.
Naomi just turned 2 years old, and Ping will be 3 in March.

Naomi is a cuddle-bug, and loves to be held. She also loves music and playing outside. Naomi has been known to take the socks off of her roommates;) An ultrasound of her heart came back normal.

Ping is a curious, clever and active toddler. She walks well independently, and will even climb on objects to reach the books she wants to read. Ping LOVES to read. The first thing she goes for when entering the playroom is the book shelf. She pretends to read the words on each page:)
Ping's heart ultrasound also came back normal.

Naomi and Ping need their forever families, so they can grow and blossom.

GL

GL, a photo by redthreadkids on Flickr.

This handsome guy is 12 year old GL. He has had surgery for meningocele and a bladder fistula. GL was brought to my attention by a friend who volunteers at his orphanage. Here is what she says about him: "A very sweet boy....wants a family so badly and he asks each time I see him if I've found one yet." GL's caregivers say he is well-behaved, hard working and neat. I can get more photos and info for interested families. Please spread the word about GL!!