Reece's Rainbow

So, I know I've talked about Reece's Rainbow before, but I'm going to talk about it again! I'm also certain this won't be the last time I talk about RR.  It feels like such an important part of me.  I have a place in my heart for adoption and there are some wonderful little specials who need homes in a terrible way!  RR is an International Down Syndrome Orphan Ministry.  Their desperate hope is to find homes for children with Ds (and other special needs).  Most of the children are in Russia and other Eastern European countries (Ukraine, Bulgaria, etc.).  Sadly, it is still socially unacceptable in these countries to parent a child with Down syndrome (and other special needs).  Most of these children are placed in an orphanage soon after birth.  Many are just abandoned in the hospital after they are born.  They are placed in "baby homes" and initially raised with other typically developing children.  Then, when they turn four or five, they are placed in institutions.  One day they are playing with their friends outside on a little playground and the next, they are strapped into a crib, many times they are sedated.  When they get sick, they are left untreated and literally left to die.  Most die in the first year.

The true hope is that stereotypes can be broken, and the birth parents will want to raise their children.  Much of it is misinformation, and lack of resources.  There is a new offshoot of Reece's Rainbow called Connecting the Rainbow.  An organization started by a couple of parents of children with Ds.  Their goal is to go into these counties and find the pockets of parents choosing to raise their children.  They bring resources and hope.  The two mom team is actually wrapping up their very first trip to Bulgaria.  The task seems daunting, but their determination is inspiring. 

How can you help?!?  Well, besides feeling drawn to actually adopt one of these beautiful souls, you can help by spreading the word about Reece's Rainbow and their mission.  Go to their website and look at those sweet faces wating for a Mommy and Daddy.  http://www.reecesrainbow.org/ You can also help by donating money to aid in the overwhelming cost of adoption.  Most of the time, it is not that there is no desire to adopt, it is a lack of funds to do it.  Most of these adoptions cost around $25,000 - give or take a few thousand (this includes airfare and the cost of an apartment while in country). 

The blogging community has recently rallied around a very special little girl in Russia named Lera.  She is days away from institution and has lost TWO families who had commited to her adoption.

Could you be Lera's forever family?

Lera: Born August 7, 2005

Lera is a gorgeous little girl with blonde hair and blue eyes. She is 4 years old. She is quite high functioning, and doing very well. She has flat feet and a systolic heart murmur, but no major heart conditions. She is able to walk and climb, she eats by herself, dances, and understands and follows directions. She has also been transferred to the regular class, so she is living and learning with her typical peers.