Caden was fortunate to be born in the United States. He will have access to a quality education, to health care, to a community, to family, to love. He will be able to dream big dreams. But some kids with DS don't draw the long straw. In many countries, children with DS are abandoned in an orphanage. Then around the age of 5, they are transferred to an institution. Some are then chained to their beds, don't go outside, don't know the comfort of a hug. Many will die within 2 years of that transfer. I can't help but look at my son and imagine him living, and dying, like that.
This is why I will be voting in People Magazine's Reader's Choice Hero contest for Andrea Roberts. She has created an organization called Reece's Rainbow, named after her son with DS, to help these children from around the world find their forever families through adoption. Over 300 children are growing up loved, healthy, and happy because of Andrea's work.
Vote here daily until October 8. The $10,000 grand prize in Andrea's hands will literally save lives. I look at Caden and think "There but for the grace of God..."
My PSW
3 years ago
