Help for Tori ...and Anthony!

Happy Endings and New Beginnings

2012-01-27T08:25:00.000-08:00

Leann and Chris are the official parents of "Anthony": Anton John (sometimes called AJ) Putz. This picture of Leann and AJ was taken while visiting, prior to court. They are on their way to Iowa soon.

I am so grateful to Leann and Chris for adopting and loving this little boy. In the bit that I have gotten to know them, they truly seem God-sent for this child, and clearly love him to pieces. Thank you God, for all the strings you have pulled to make this happen. Score a big win for the culture of life!

Our own adoption journey continues...getting close...you can see more about our work to adopt Alex at http://www.wdadoption.blogspot.com (and email us or leave a message here if you want to be added to the private blog. We're adding anyone we know who wants to read along). We also have a page on facebook, and we could direct you to that.

News continues for Reagan (formerly Tori)...she is doing great! You can see a picture of her and all her siblings as "A Torch for Teagan" (below). Oh by the way, that page is about her family adopting AGAIN...two boys with Down Syndrome...they are an amazing family. I encourage you to help them out!

Please, continued prayers for AJ's family: transition always comes with its own challenges! But today is a good, great, amazing day in God's kingdom!

2011-07-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

And Anthony's new family has a blog!

http://bringajhome.blogspot.com/

Please head over there and offer your prayers and support.
They apparently received the GREAT news that Anthony has not yet been transferred, and is still in the "baby house". This is excellent, and let's pray he stays there until the Putz' pick him up!

We'll be winding down here, since Anthony's story is going to be continued on their blog. But I will at least post a note if we get our own adoption up off the ground (soon, very soon)....

Thank you, everyone. And please help a family or a child listed at Reece's Rainbow. So easy to do, and it can literally mean the difference between life and death for a child.

Anthony's family....

2011-07-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

Anthony's family announced! What a great story. We continue to pray for a smooth and quick adoption!

Anthony is getting adopted!!!!!!!!!

2011-07-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

I don't know by whom (not us), but he's on the "My family found me page."....more as I hear about it!

This is brilliant news for Anthony and I thank you for your prayers and advocating on his behalf.

Susan

Today's the Feast Day of St Anthony of Padua

2011-06-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

...not that everyone who reads this is Catholic, but Anthony was a powerful man for God during the medieval period, a preacher who brought many of the corrupt and powerful to repentance and who lived a life of radical poverty and dependance on God as a early Franciscan.

Catholics like to say he is the patron of those seeking lost things. It's kind of a goofy connection for such a beautiful witness to God, but we Catholics like to be goofy sometimes. But our little Anthony needs a powerful man for God to find him his lost family. They are out there. Will you pray that Anthony be found today? And spread the word?

Time is running out. Thank you, everyone.

Update about being stuck

2011-05-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

OK, it's been three weeks. Let's unstick this project. Someone please go get Anthony. Please.

If you can't do that, please pray and spread the word.

Anthony is FULLY FUNDED!!!

2011-04-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

Anthony in summer 2009.

Click and see that great big number--$20,000.19!

...So that means anyone wishing to adopt need only pay for initial start up costs...and in the USA, that is reimbursed through an adoption tax credit the year after the adoption is finalized! This is, in the end, a free adoption!

So what now?

1) We give thanks! Thanks to all who contributed funds and thanks be to God!
2) We pray! hard! Anthony's family is out there and the financial hurdle is gone. We pray for that family to know Anthony is their child and to step forward!
3) We spread the word! In any and every way you can! Link to this post or to his profile at Reece's Rainbow: http://reecesrainbow.org/anthony-25

Anthony is almost six years old. It is a blessing (and amazing) he is still at a "baby house," but that could change at any time. I have heard where he would get transferred to, and it would be devastating for him, and quite possibly a virtual death sentence--at minimum a living death sentence. Time really is of the essence here, and there is little time to waste.

Anthony does seem to have significant disabilities for sure, but he deserves the love and attention of a family. He will no doubt do better in a family environment. We don't know how much better. It is a leap of faith, but ... the path has been cleared for someone to do just that.

I am going away for work until Wednesday May 4th. I am asking everyone who reads this to post it on facebook, twitter, your blog, email your friends, whatever! Who knows where this family is? We need to find them in every way we can!

Any of you compelled to advocate, share your experience of adopting, or CP, or whatever seems relevant--please, please do so! And thank you!

Let's prayerfully spread the word far and wide and let's get Anthony the family he needs and deserves!

Peace, Susan

Happy Easter!

2011-04-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

--and I'll still waiting to tell you the great news about Anthony's grant! Watch this space! Ask everyone you know whether they know anyone open to adopting him!

The Boy From Babyhouse 10

2011-04-12T12:06:00.001-07:00

These videos give you an idea of the conditions in special needs orphanages in Russia and Eastern Europe. While not all are this bad, many still are. This is hard to watch--it is a 20 minute Dateline MSNBC story.

I have BIG news...

2011-04-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

about Anthony...but I can't announce it yet!

Go out there and find Anthony a family, OK? I'll announce the big news as soon as it is official (probably next week!)

And pray!!!

I'm Anthony's "Easter Warrior!"

2011-04-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

So what can we do to keep his adoption fund growing? Money is the only thing that keeps these children apart from families--and that's it. We can fix that, right?

I'm a Warrior for Reece's Rainbow!

You can donate a little or a lot through Paypal, and Reece's Rainbow is a 501(c)3 (that means tax-deductible!). If you donate a significant amount, you may want to send a check with "Anthony (25)" in the memo line, because RR has to pay out of pocket for Paypal transaction fees. Or you can increase your contribution and it will be covered that way. ;)

You can also spread the word by going to Anthony's spot on RR and click the right buttons to post his profile on facebook or twitter.

***

Another great thing going on--if you tweet, please follow Reece's Rainbow! Patricia Heaton (the actress) has offered a challenge to everyone--if Reece's Rainbow gains 10,000 Twitter followers quickly, she will donate $10,000 to RR! That's huge $ in RR non-profit land, and they need it to keep the place running! So please consider following RR here--it's free, ya know!--and urge your "followers" list on twitter to do the same: Reece's Rainbow on twitter.

Update from the new Mom (Reagan and Carrington)

2011-03-29T06:56:00.000-07:00

A beautiful thank you and request for continued prayers for Carrington. And a great picture of the two sisters together!

Please help this be Anthony's story too. Share his story through whoever you know, especially if they are considering adoption.

$7093.19

2011-03-24T11:28:00.001-07:00

...and it grows!

Thank you for helping little Anthony get adopted!

Spreading the word for Anthony

2011-03-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

Delilah's Dream (a blog which typically advocates for waiting children with special needs in China) is advocating for Anthony as well. Thank you! All of you, please spread the word!

There is hope!
Susan

--Anthony has a $7,003 adoption grant!--

Continued updates on Reagan's sister, Carrington

2011-03-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

...may be found here. She is improving but has a long road--the doctors need to get her healthy enough to even do some interventions (like dealing with the reflux). Oh, her poor parents, and their six other kids! They have support but this is of course not the homecoming they wanted, and little Carrington really needs prayers to help the doctors figure out what is going on in her body.

Anthony's grant is over $7000!

2011-03-21T06:42:00.001-07:00

Yippee! Thanks to whomever out there did this!

Let's keep it rolling and find him a family!

See his profile and grant here.

Reagan is home! But...

2011-03-21T06:16:00.000-07:00

First, did we know at the beginning of this journey that we would be able to say Reagan (Tori) is home???

Here is where we started....

So rejoice!

But this family had a rocky homecoming to say the least. The little sister adopted along with Reagan, named Carrington, is in a hospital and in serious condition. She went into the hospital directly from arriving in the USA. She weighed 11 lbs. She is 3 1/2 years old....

Stephanie has more here (and an adorable picture), and there is a website for updates on Carrington. This family has had a tough adoption journey and could use all the prayers you can muster.

Anthony's grant is growing!

2011-03-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those of you still chip-in-ning away! Anthony is only $33 away from having a $7000 adoption grant.

That's a huge grant, folks. When you combine that with a $13,000 adoption tax credit, that means that anyone with homestudy and initial costs done has a fully funded adoption.

Let's get it over $7000 and continue praying, and suggesting him to families interested in adopting. Time is not Anthony's friend here.

***

On the Reagan front--Reagan is doing great!, but her newly adopted sister Carrington is not. In addition to DS, she has severe reflux, and maybe something else going on--she is nearly four and the size of an 18 month old. Stephanie (a friend of the family's) has some shocking photos here. Anyway, they are flying to Texas today but little Carrington is already arranged to go straight into the hospital upon arrival. Prayers for her and the whole family appreciated--this is a rough way to start. Then again, they may have gotten her out just in time.

A picture is worth a thousand words

2011-03-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

Reagan's mom, Shelly, taking her out of the institution.

Her name is now Reagan Faith Burman.

Reagan is doing great! But prayers are needed for her new sister, Carrington--she was released the same day as Reagan and has not been able to eat anything (and she is pretty emaciated). They plan to check her immediately in a hospital upon returning home Thursday. She sees a doctor in her home nation's capital today as part of the series of exits before heading on that plane for home.

Please continue to pray for Anthony and spread the word he needs a home.

Keeping you updated!

2011-03-11T20:07:00.000-08:00

March 11: Tori (soon to be Reagan) has connected with her adoptive mom and they are traveling all over getting the birth certificate, visas, passports, etc. She hasn't been released from the orphanage yet--give it a couple more days. But she is loving the attention, and held her new to-be sister, Carrington (a three yr old with down syndrome, although she is the size of an 18 month old), with obvious affection.

Anthony still needs a family. Please continue to spread the word.

Another story of an adoption of a child with CP

2011-03-02T20:04:00.000-08:00

First, THANK YOU to whoever out there is chipping in to Anthony's adoption grant fund...he is at $6800+ now! Every little bit helps.

But he needs a family to step up. To that end, the message below came through an email list. I thought it was important to post here, because the child below has CP and numerous other challenges, more than Anthony. It's a lovely story and I hope it will inspire someone. Please pass it on!

My "Unadoptable" Son

Below is the story of a mother and her son. When others felt her son was
"unadoptable" she knew otherwise.

My "Unadoptable" Son
I met my son when I worked a long term care facility for children. I am a
physical therapist. Tim* came to the facility as a crack baby with multiple medical complications. He was born at 26 weeks in a crack house in Camden.
Somehow he managed to survive his birth. He had three brain bleeds at birth,
as well as hydrocephaly and seizures. A shunt was placed for the hydrocephaly. A
feeding tube was placed because he couldn't coordinate drinking from a bottle.
He spent months in Cooper Hospital's NICU, and then did a stay in a rehab
hospital. After that, he was moved to a residence for medically fragile
children in Camden to await a foster home equipped to handle his needs. This was all
before he turned one. A home wasn't found; he had some medical complications,
so he was moved to the long term care facility where I worked.

Once at the facility, his birth mother was prevented from seeing him due to
threatening staff. His birth father then surfaced, and he expressed interest
in bringing Tim home. However he could never get his act together to do this.
I was Tim's PT from the time he arrived until I brought him home -- four years
later. It took DYFS that long to finally terminate his parental rights! At
that time I was leaving the facility to pursue another job in Early Intervention. I
hated leaving Tim behind, and knew that his caseworker was not actively
looking for a home for him. So I decided as a single parent that I would bring him home .
>
Tim's medical history reads like a train wreck. He has cerebral palsy, reflux,
hydrocephaly, severe dysphasia, motor and cognitive impairments. He was 100%
tube fed when I brought him home. I taught him how to eat, although he still
doesn't know how to chew, so I have to chop his food up. We have multiple
doctors' appointments annually with all of his specialists at CHOP. He had two
shunt surgeries last year in seven weeks. He sounds pretty "unadoptable"
doesn't he?

Now for the good part. He is an adorable loving boy who talks, walks, runs. He
loves Monster trucks, plays video games, and is learning to read, do math,
science, etc. He's not a "normal" 12-year-old. But he is my Tim, and I love
him!
Even if he never made any more progress than where he was when I brought him
home, I would have loved him as much as I do today. He is a true joy, and
brings happiness to everyone he meets. My life would be empty without him.

* Not his real name

More on Anthony

2011-02-25T21:07:00.000-08:00

I said I would report when I knew more, and I do...although not much.

Anthony is still in his orphanage, and they will hang on to him "as long as they can". He is supposed to be transferred this spring, it's hard to know whether this changes that or not. I did see a picture...it is not public, as far as I know, so I cannot share it. But it is a sad picture. On one hand, he's sitting upright and without a strap, so that is encouraging (he has significant CP). On the other hand, he was looking pretty sad in the picture--not the half-smile you see above. Andrea (from RR) also said he has cognitive delays (from the environment or the brain damage that is CP? don't know).

So the good news is that he is "OK"--not transferred yet. The sad face is heartbreaking, though. If you could pray for Anthony, pray for his future family, and spread the word that this little boy deserves a family--we would be most grateful.

Many thanks and peace here and there tonight--
Susan

Tori was adopted today!

2011-02-22T19:20:00.001-08:00

:) Yes, she was. Her parents went through court just fine. They have a 10 day wait period in that country, so they are flying back home and coming back to gather the girls (they're adopting another as well), get their visas, and going to Texas!

Tori's parents have court on Tuesday the 22nd

2011-02-18T12:47:00.000-08:00

(Yes, it's been a long haul for them!)

But the court date is when the adoption is officially approved or not. Then the new mom goes home, waits ten days, and comes back to pick up the children with visas, and flies home to a new life.

But first, court.

Waiting today

2011-02-18T06:02:00.000-08:00

I'll be honest. I heard from Andrea at RR that she was supposed to hear something about Anthony Friday (today), and pass that along...she may hear no new information, she may have a little more detail about his condition, she may hear he's already been transferred to the institution we dread. So today, I am waiting. Not exactly nervous, but with some real concern. I'll share if I am able to when I hear anything.

Please continue to pray for both Tori and Anthony.

Another thought of the day

2011-02-17T07:37:00.000-08:00

From Psalm 68: 6-7a:
Father of the fatherless, defender of widows-- this is the God whose abode is holy,
Who gives a home to the forsaken....


Thank you for continuing to pray for Anthony and Tori.

Thought of the day

2011-02-16T09:34:00.001-08:00

"I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you." John 14:18

A Plea for Anthony

2011-02-14T08:38:00.000-08:00

As almost everyone in the known world realizes at this point, we are trying hard to make an adoption happen as quickly as we can--but everything seems to hinge on us selling two websites my husband as developed. If they sell well and soon, we will have much of our stupid debt (as opposed to legit debt?) paid, and have money to put toward a home study. That's good! But the reality is it *could* take a few months. And while that's OK....

there's Anthony.

We're not committed by paper or entirely by heart to any one child. But the reality is we are looking at Anthony hard, despite feeling that this was way more than we had initially thought we could handle. And that may be the case for reasons I won't get into; we're still discerning, checking $ issues, etc. BUT Anthony is 5 1/2 and scheduled to get transferred to an institution this Spring. He has significant CP and my thought is he will not survive the institutions they have in his home country, not to mention I wouldn't send my dog to one. A friendly one of you all told me through email where he would likely go, I looked it up, and it's scary bad.

We raised all kinds of money for this child's grant fund and it breaks my heart--we just may not be able to commit in the next few weeks or not. We're trying so hard. I feel like I have knocked every door for Anthony and have run out of options. But I want to see him adopted. It honestly doesn't matter if it is us or someone else. He needs his family now.

I know God has this in hand, but maybe God needs more hands and feet on this one. Could you please pray for and/or post for Anthony's cause? He has a very good grant ($6500+), and needs someone to step up asap.

Anthony's spot on RR:
http://reecesrainbow.org/anthony-25

Thank you everyone! I so appreciate it!
--Susan

Pictures of Tori

2011-02-14T06:40:00.000-08:00

Tori (soon to be named Reagan Faith) has met her adoptive parents, and continues to meet with them in her home country. The adoption is not final, but things are looking positive.

And they just glow about her--they have had three visits and they have been wonderful. She is a happy girl, and interacts with them very well (given they have different languages!).

Continued prayers appreciated, for certain! NOTHING is over until it's over!

Tori met her family today!

2011-02-07T07:35:00.005-08:00

More later--but the big news is that she was released for adoption by her institution director (who could have blocked it)!

From Tori (soon to be Reagan's) new mom:
"If ever there is a person to doubt the power of prayer send them to me and we will share this
story!"

Tori's family is going to get her next week....

2011-01-20T20:23:00.000-08:00

Prayers appreciated, I'm sure! They are also adopting another child with DS. Adoption isn't done until its done, so let's keep up the prayers.

Anthony still needs a family....

Merry Christmas to all....

2010-12-27T08:22:00.000-08:00

Good third day of Christmas everyone! Anthony has a lovely large adoption grant and is waiting for his family to step up and give him a real Christmas this next year. Will you spread the word and find him his family? You can plead his case (easy: see how sweet he is?) on your blog, on a fb status, on twitter, in your email (signature or a special email!).

Did you know that the US government gives a $13000 credit to adoptive parents? With this no strings grant through Reece's Rainbow and the tax credit you would get next year, the adoptive family's output to adopt him is really VERY minimal.

Peace and good will to all--and if we could all pray for Anthony today, that would be much appreciated.

p.s. If you want to make a donation to Anthony's fund, and get your own 2010 tax credit through donation to a 501c3 (Reece's Rainbow), you can do so here. Or mail it before Dec 31 to RR, with "Anthony (25)" in the memo line.....

Giveaway winner

2010-12-16T18:51:00.000-08:00

Laurrie Deal is the winner of our giveaway of the book! Thanks to all who contributed to Anthony's adoption fund.

Please continue to pray for Anthony and spread the word...you never know who his family is!

We haven't forgotten you, Anthony....praying and a giveaway!

2010-11-30T20:27:00.000-08:00

1. I'm praying the St. Andrew novena starting today (the feast of St. Andrew) for 15 days, praying for a family to step forward for Anthony.* He's the sweet looking boy at the top of the blog: 5 years old, with CP, and needs a family asap. He has a substantial adoption grant that will defray international adoption costs. Right now--we need to pray for his family to have the courage to step forward! Please consider joining me!

2. And since a growing grant fund builds hope and is a real help to the future parents, I am stumping for funds again, but with a twist. I'll give away a copy of Dear Communion of Saints (signed if you want, or an ebook version if you want) to a randomly chosen person who donates to Anthony's fund (housed at Reece's Rainbow**) through this chip-in. ANY size donation, including a single dollar, will be accepted for this giveaway! But you need to donate by Dec 14th 11:59pm central time. Thank you, everyone! Please spread the word if you can!

*If you're coming to this as a Protestant Christian, I know novenas raise eyebrows. Think of it as an extended period of intercessory prayer, praying without ceasing. That's how I see it anyway. And it's called the St. Andrew novena simply because it traditionally begins on the Feast of St. Andrew. The prayer is to God! Always!

**Reece's Rainbow is a 501C3 organization and accepts donations in any currency through Paypal. It is an brilliant organization and you can find out more at http://www.reecesrainbow.org .

Tori's new family is blogging!

2010-11-22T08:22:00.000-08:00

And here they are. They have decided to rename Tori "Reagan". Hence the name of the blog--Racing to Reagan!

You'll see on their blog that they have also decided to adopt another child from the same original orphanage, a 3 year old girl with Down Syndrome they will name Carrington. This orphanage is one of the poorest ones in their home country, and they are doing her a great favor...it's inspiring to read this group of women on the Reece's Rainbow board do their best to empty out that particular orphanage and give these children a better life.

Some of you may know that this country is also legally considering becoming part of the Hague Convention, which would be a good thing overall for orphans in that country, as well as adopting parents--but let's pray they do not have a moratorium on adoptions if they transition to Hague Convention standards. That could be deadly for the children with special needs in particular.

I can't tell you how grateful I am to this family for stepping forward.

A little closer to Tori meeting her family....

2010-11-18T20:18:00.000-08:00

Her family's dossier was submitted to her home country today! That means everything is done on this end, and now they wait for an appointment and flight date. This takes at minimum one month, but is often considerably longer. The dossier got done in record time, let's pray for more smooth sailing for all of them!

And please, continue to pray for Anthony, who still needs his family to step forward! Given he is scheduled to be sent to an institution in the Spring, the paperwork needs to happen now....

The Fun Run got written up in Winona360!

2010-11-05T12:42:00.000-07:00

Story here. Amazing how they managed to spell my impossible last name right and my first name wrong! That never happens....

Thanks for the write-up, Winona360!

Total: at least $6200 in donations for Anthony's fund!

2010-11-02T07:57:00.000-07:00

At the Fun Run, playing with kids by the lake.

It's true. I just sent some of the money today, and other money is in route. It should show up at Reece's Rainbow really soon.

I want to thank everyone who donated for both Tori's fund and Anthony's fund during Respect Life month. I sincerely hope this will be enough to help the parents out there who want to adopt Anthony--he looks like a little buy with a future to me. But unless he is adopted, Anthony's future is very, very bleak; he needs the treatment (love and medical treatment) that a family would be able to provide readily to live. Please continue to pray for Anthony's future parents to step forward! And recommend him to people considering adoption (including, perhaps, yourself!).

If you want to contribute to Anthony's fund, it's not too late!: You could do so here.

The results are in!

2010-10-30T19:14:00.000-07:00

We made $752 at the fun run (including what's in the chip in now). THANK YOU everyone! We had a really great time.

There was a reporter there, and we got a write-up: link to the Winona 360 article!

Thanks, everyone! Please pray for Anthony and his future parents tonight!

What to expect at the Fun Run Walk and Roll?

2010-10-29T12:01:00.000-07:00

...coffee brewing, hot chocolate stirring, at 9am.
...me, with a bullhorn! Looking forward to that....
...people registering for door prizes, signing waivers to run, putting in donations (preferably via check! Or donate now online! or bring cash, but we can't provide a receipt for that....)
...WSU and SMU students playing games with kids outside the Lodge, and kiddos coloring "kids with disabilities" sheets and other crafts inside
...making signs to walk with (if you want!)
...picking up water bottles to walk/run with, while supplies last. I know it's chilly, but don't get dehydrated now!
...live music by Amanda Grace!
...people picking up information on Reece's Rainbow and adoption in general
...facepainting with Katy Smith!
...door prizes announced at 9:30am!
...then...you're off! Running, walking or rolling around East Lake Winona (or however far you want to go and it's still "fun").
...games, crafts, etc. wind down at 10am.

See you there! Contact me (email at right) with questions!

5th fun reason to do the Fun Run: we've got a $6000 head start!

2010-10-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Yes, we do!

Generous friends told me they have written checks totaling $6000 for Anthony's Reece's Rainbow fund! What a great start!

An international adoption from his region typically costs around $25,000. I know, ouch. There are grants one can apply for, and low interest loans as well: but obviously it is a real gift to both Anthony, who needs a family asap, and his future parents to build up his fund through Reece's Rainbow. This is families helping families, and a beautiful way to honor the value of children with special needs. When we all pitch in, even this kind of money is not so much. So please, whether you come to the Fun Run or not, if you can pitch in a dollar or more, it would be well-used and a meaningful gift.

Can we get his grant up to $10,000? That would almost assure that Anthony would find his family soon. These are wanted children, and families want to adopt--they simply have problems affording the high costs. That is a solvable problem. Let's help them out!

There's nothing like spending a Saturday morning doing good...and seriously, this could save Anthony's life! Register now!

4th fun reason to come to the Fun Run: Door prizes!

2010-10-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, we plan to serve coffee, but it won't look THAT good (see right). You want that fancy coffee, you need to come to the Fun Run, register, drop your name in the hat, and hope you get drawn to win one of the coffeehouse goodies!

$25 gift certificate to Target: courtesy our friend Beth)
$25 gift certificate to the Green Mill restaurant: also courtesy our friend Beth
$5 gift card to Blooming Grounds
$5 gift card to the Acoustic Cafe
$5 gift card to Starbucks (I'm sensing a coffee pattern here....): Courtesy anonymous donor
Certificate for a free haircut at Ambitions Hairstyling and Tanning

...and more to come, I hope! If you have something you want to donate to this list, please contact me asap. Thank you!

and MANY THANKS to the individuals and businesses contributing to this venture! It's especially generous in this economic climate. Thanks again.

3rd fun reason to come to the Fun Run: the weather will be better than today!

2010-10-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

OK, that's not Winona--but it could be today! Wind gusts to 60 miles an hour? Snow farther north? Yikes.

BUT the weather for Saturday morning is dry and cool, probably around 40-43 degrees when we walk/run/roll! C'mon, for Minnesotans, that's balmy! You're a hardy bunch! Plus we start inside the warm Lake Lodge with coffee, hot chocolate, crafts, adoption info, and music....

Register now!

2nd fun reason to come to the Fun Run, Walk and Roll: we've got games!

2010-10-26T06:37:00.000-07:00

Parachute play, gunny sack races, bean bag toss, face-painting, coloring and crafts, etc. We'll do this from 9am to around 10am (in case people don't want to actually run, walk or roll--the send off for that is at 9:30am!). We'll do things inside if the weather is bad (although it looks like it will be ok for MN--unlike today's weather)!

Plus I will have a bullhorn, and honestly, you just don't want to miss that! ;)

Invite your friends! Register now!

1st Fun Reason to do the Fun Run, Walk and Roll...we've got music!

2010-10-25T11:55:00.000-07:00

I know, we're doing this for Anthony, and he and his future parents need our prayers. But let's remember this benefit is an upbeat celebration of the joy and possibilities of special needs adoption! So we'll be adding fun reasons to do the Fun Run Oct 30th at 9am:

We've got music! Specifically, Amanda Grace (Hardy), a local singer and songwriter, is bringing her voice and her keyboard. She's really talented and I encourage you to come hear her! She may even bring some of her CDs for sale....

Register now, and spread the word for Anthony!

Now we fun run, walk and roll for Anthony!

2010-10-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

Now that Tori's adoption fund is fully funded and she is in the process of getting adopted (see Fully Funded! and Tori has a family!)...22 days into a 30 day drive...we are donating the rest of the money raised this October to a little boy named Anthony, in a similar situation as Tori. Here's his story from Reece's Rainbow:

Anthony (25)

Boy, born ... 2005

Anthony has blonde hair and brown eyes. He struggles with the effects of CP, and has also tested positive for TB.

From his medical records: Spastic tetraparesis, motor disorders, convergent squint, hip dysplasia, anemia

His muscles are very tight, and he will need significant amounts of therapy. He is not able to sit by himself, and is dependent on his care givers for just about everything. He has a secondary myocardiopathy as well. Quite a laundry list for such a darling boy ;(( Anthony will be sent to a mental institution, and will remain bedridden the rest of his short life. He is blessed to still be living at the baby house, but he will be transferred in the Spring. Please give Anthony a chance to know a loving, supportive family! Don’t let him end up another statistic

SIGNIFICANT RISK, PLEASE ADOPT ME SOON!!

Once again, in Eastern Europe* these children "age out" of the orphanages called "baby houses," and often get placed in mental institutions, not because there is anything necessarily wrong mentally--but because they are not considered adoptable. A list of 350+ adoptions facilitated by Reece's Rainbow in the past four years proves that wrong. These institutions are environments often disastrous for children with special needs, perhaps especially those who cannot walk. When you meet these children in a family environment, and see the love these families have for these children, you realize what a privileged blessing they are.

So: we spread the word. We donate what we can. We walk, run, and roll in Winona, Minnesota, October 30th! And we pray, both for Anthony and his future parents. They deserve the blessing of each other.

If you are interested in adopting Anthony, please contact Reece's Rainbow for more information on the process and on Anthony.

*We are not allowed to name Anthony's home country online. If it is important for you to know, please contact Reece's Rainbow directly for more information.

Tori has a family!

2010-10-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

After five years...a family has stepped up to make make Tori their daughter. (Do I hear an Amen?)

What an amazing 48 hours. God was working overtime on Wednesday, and things happened fast. A family that had known Tori's situation, and had adopted through Reece's Rainbow before, was hit hard emotionally by another Reece's Rainbow child who had been listed for years and died in her orphanage. In response to that sad event and a strong prompting from God, this family had JUST decided to put in paperwork to adopt Tori. They decided, logged on the computer, and saw the fully funded grant. Wow.

I do know the name of the mother, but not whether she wants it made public yet. Should they make this journey public through a blog, I'll link to it here. I ask you continue to pray for them, because this adoption breaks some new ground in her home country (no one has adopted from this institution before, but she is available for adoption...and we pray she will be home soon!). And pray for Tori. The situation she is living in, until she gets OUT of that institution, is really very bad.

But this shows you, doesn't it? Children like Tori (who has a new name already, but I'll share let the new mother and father share that!) are wanted and loved. This family had loved her for months. There is a woman connected with Reece's Rainbow who prayed for her for well over two years. The obstacle is the money. Period.

So -- let's rejoice in the ways God works! "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

And...the Fun Run continues, but now, for Anthony.

Tori is FULLY FUNDED!

2010-10-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

I kid you not. Someone (or people) stepped forward and we can see it here: She now has over $23,000! That's a fully funded adoption!

Thank you, God!

(For the record, this rarely happens! *Full* funding?! It usually takes months, if at all!)

This is huge--so very huge--but Tori still needs a family to step forward for her. She really ideally needs a "paper-ready" family (that is, a family with a home study done, ready to adopt right now), because her situation is so difficult. She needs out now. Please continue to spread the word--this child needs a home, and I believe God is working through his people to make it happen. I mean, look at this total. People can't remember a child ever getting that kind of funding without a committed family--this isn't human work; it's GOD work. So...ask yourself, ask your friends...who are her parents?

And if you're wondering--what about the great Fun Run on Oct 30th, plastered all over Winona? It's ON! We're going to put the money to another special needs child in a similar situation as Tori's. Now we can help even more children and families! This is a wonderful thing. I'll announce the person the funds are going to later Friday. There are lots of "Toris" out there!

Praise God with me today and let's keep working to find Tori her family, and the seeking family their new child!

Thank you to everyone who contributed! I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Home stretch for the IPod Touch giveaway!

2010-10-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

This also goes to Tori's account at Reece's Rainbow, and is being hosted at Stephanie's blog. Donate at her Chip-In, any amount, and you may be randomly chosen to receive the new IPod! All money raised goes directly to Tori's Reece's Rainbow account.

You have to donate at her place by Oct 21. Please do!

How often do you get a chance to save a life?

2010-10-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

Tori is a little girl in Eastern Europe*, nearly five years old, with cerebral palsy and clearly a smile that lights up the room.

From her spot at Reece's Rainbow:

This little angel can just light up a room with her smile and her giggle. She is constantly happy, very alert and playful, and is an orphanage favorite. We are waiting for some new photos of her, but she is registered and available to be adopted now! She has had surgery for her spinal hernia (not spina bifida), but it was unsuccessful in her country. She is not able to pull up or stand/walk on her own. We hope she would have much better chances of correction here in the US, but we will not have any x-rays or other records available prior to your trip to share with a doctor for review. She has decompensated hydrocephaly as well.

Children from this orphanage are sent to the institution promptly on their birth date, so we are working hard to prevent that for this little sunshine. She will be bedridden for her short life if she is transferred. Please consider rescuing Miss Tori!

UPDATE: Tori has already been transferred to the institution. It is imperative she be rescued right away.

For the month of October, together we will fundraise adoption costs for Tori in hope of getting her OUT OF THERE and with a family as soon as possible.

For those of you not familiar with the conditions of abandoned children with special needs in Eastern Europe and Russia, the situation for these children after they turn 4 or 5 is quite dire. It is not easy reading, but it is important--here is a report from Human Rights Watch. Although this report is from 1998, the conditions have NOT improved in most areas. Children with special needs--such as cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, and others--are sent to mental institutions for adults at the age of 4 or 5, receive little to no attention, and tragically, die young.

It's easy to turn away, and it's tempting to say "well, they should change that abominable system" but it is just as easy to DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. As Christians who believe that God brought every human person into existence, we know that every child is a wanted child. The primary problem here is money--the cost of international adoption is steep. But this is a solvable problem. We will be collecting money to put directly in the Reece's Rainbow account set up for adopting Tori. If she has a fully funded adoption, her chances of getting adopted very soon go up astronomically. Reece's Rainbow is a 501(c)3 organization, so if you wanted to donate there directly and get a tax credit, you could...just ask that the money be applied to the "Tori (9)" account in PayPal's special instructions. If for some reason Tori is not adopted, the money would go to another special needs adoption fund--it would be used for a very good cause. $1, $20, $50, $100, more--she can use it all!

The other piece, of course, is to encourage Tori's future parents to step forward and apply to adopt this little child of God. We need to look into our own hearts and see if we have room for her ourselves. If that's not possible, we need you to spread the word--you never know if it will be your suggestion, your blog post, your facebook status, your tweet that nudges a person into considering this blessing. If you know a couple who has adopted--or is considering adopting--that would be ideal in this case, because that couple has likely already had a home study done and is cleared for adoption. Time is truly of the essence here. But if you are considering this adoption and do not have a home study done, contact Reece's Rainbow right away anyway. Who knows how God works? What we do know is that God does not want this little girl to be rejected by society and hidden away with any significant human contact. God does not want her to die. Which brings me to the next point...

Prayer. I'm going to say something audaciously bold here: If we pray, the parents will come. I will post a prayer every day on this site for the month of October. I invite you to pray with me, and encourage others to pray for this child and her future parents. Prayer changes things, including this. We are praying in concert with God's will for this little girl and her future family. They will be blessed by each other's existence.

It is good to work for the culture of life. It is good to be Christ's hands and feet. It is good to have an opportunity to love some of the most vulnerable in our world. And it is good to have a great God who can do all things! Please help us help Tori. Thank you!

*The laws of her nation do not permit us to name her home country online. If you are interested, ask me or contact Reece's Rainbow for the name of the country.

Happy Birthday Wishes to Tori

2010-10-14T06:17:00.000-07:00

Tori's 5th birthday is today, Oct 14th. Happy birthday, sweet girl! Could we make it a special one and donate a dollar (or more, but every dollar helps) to her adoption fund? It's truly the best birthday present she could receive, and the birthday present she needs. Additionally, it's the only one she will get this Thursday. You can chip-in a dollar in the widget at right, or here, and it goes directly to Reece's Rainbow--thanks and God bless!

We're over $3000 for Tori!

2010-10-13T05:53:00.000-07:00

...if you combine the money raised by Stephanie of the big heart and great IPod giveaway, a $1000 grant in the making, what Tori's account already had AND what's in my ChipIn (sigh--it's in there, the widget just won't update!). So Tori's future parents will have minimum a $3000 RR grant awaiting them...and we're not done yet!

Only a few thousand left to go! ;) Keep spreading the word and praying.

...And Stephanie has raised $775! and counting....

2010-10-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

Yes, the IPod Touch giveaway is going well at Stephanie's place--and that all goes to Tori as well. I'm thrilled! And while I would like to see people continue to donate a dollar or two or a hundred :) at my ChipIn here, I would love to see Stephanie's continue to grow (and at hers, you could receive that IPod--if you're lucky!).

It's worth going there just to read her post on Tori. It's not easy reading, but she has been to Tori's country in Eastern Europe to adopt, and knows the score about the poor state of orphanages and institutions. We're doing this to raise awareness about the goodness of special needs adoptions, but also to unite a family to be and save Tori's life. Please contribute (at either ChipIn!). Thank you!

Announcing: The Fun Run, Walk and Roll!

2010-10-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

Fun Run, Walk and Roll

Benefit Supporting Special Needs Adoption

Saturday, October 30

East Lake Winona, Lake Lodge

Registration/games start at 9 A.M., Walk/Run/Roll starts at 9:30 A.M.

Music, many games for kids, face painting, coffee, hot chocolate, door prizes

And information about adopting children with special needs

$10 suggested individual donation to walk/run/roll, $25 per family

All proceeds go through Reece’s Rainbow--a charitable aid organization for special needs adoption--for Tori, a 5 yr old with cerebral palsy who needs a family asap!

You can register through the registration link toward the top of the page. Donate now or at the fun run itself (via check to Reece's Rainbow; memo line: for Tori (9))

Thank you!

$1, 271

2010-10-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

The chip-in is working fine at collecting money, but the widget is not updating. Just to let you know, we're raised $271, plus dear friends are donating $1000 through Reece's Rainbow for Tori. So we're far beyond $120 but have a way to go! Every dollar helps, pass it on and pray! Thank you!

Someone else is fundraising too! Ipod involved....

2010-10-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

...and you may get an IPod out of it. Hmmm.

I'm taking this as evidence that God is working behind the scenes to get this little girl adopted quickly. Stephanie at this blog has adopted her own kids through Reece's Rainbow and--in the same 48 hours as me--decided to fundraise for Tori. No, I have never met her before I started doing this.

This is fantastic because a) the more people making a concerted effort, the better. I'm so thrilled about this! b) I do take it as a sign that God is working to get people to save this little girl. But we have to cooperate!

At her blog, donate and you can possibly win an IPod touch through a giveaway. Donate at her site to Tori's fund at Reece's Rainbow and you may be randomly drawn to win an IPod! Donate there before October 21st....

Thank you to all who have donated! Please continue to spread the word to help us fundraise a dollar at a time, and tell people who you think may be interested in adopting. If you read Stephanie's post, you'll realize time is very important in this. Thanks again.

You signed up for the Fun Run Walk and Roll!

2010-09-28T06:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks for "walking the walk" with us!

Please put your contribution in the chip-in here. Paypal and credit card accepted. We recommend a $10 individual contribution for this benefit, or $25 a family. If you can donate more, Anthony needs it, so I thank you! If less, trust me that we appreciate every dollar. This chip-in goes directly to his fund at Reece's Rainbow, a 501c3 organization. Please put "Anthony (25)" in the special instructions line, if you can.

(For some reason, the chip-in widget isn't updating the accumulated donations total on all computers. But I know it works, and you will receive a receipt from both PayPal and Chip-in that verifies your money went to the right place!)

Want a t-shirt? We ask you to buy them ahead. A little over a dollar per shirt will go to Tori's account at Reece's Rainbow:

Fun Run, Walk and Roll 2010 by IronicCatholic
View more Adoption T-Shirts

Also, there are great Reece's rainbow shirts for sale at Cafe Press, and profits go to the RR Voice of Hope fund for daily expenses.

I also love these shirts a woman adopting a child with Down Syndrome made as a fundraiser: I have a dream that one day we will be judged based on the content of our character, not the number of our chromosomes. Available for purchase here.

Thanks everyone! Anyone who wants to help with this benefit, please contact me and I'd be happy to give you things to do (run kids' games, do the coffee, get donations for kiddie trinkets, set up, clean up, etc.). We can also use donations to help the benefit go smoothly--disposable coffee cups, coffee, hot chocolate, trinkets for kids' games, gift certificates for door prizes...).

Fun Run Walk and Roll registration!

2010-09-08T06:33:00.000-07:00