Baruch Dayan Emet

An orphan died.  Last week?  2 weeks ago?  We don't really know.  At some point a file was updated, and we learned that this little boy is no more:

His hydrocephalus left untreated, he died alone, unattended, and was likely buried unceremoniously on a weed-infested hillside behind the orphanage, alongside many others who preceded him:




A Canadian citizen, born with a similar condition, but fortunate enough to have had the benefit of modern medical treatment and the love of his family, has organized a special memorial service for this child at a local Russian Orthodox church.  This service will take place this coming Friday, July 26.  Will you please join me in lighting a candle (virtual or physical) for the boy we know only as "Hanson"?

Bayom hahu, bayom hahu, yihie Adonay ekhad, ushmo Ekhad.

On that day, G*d shall be one, and His name is One.

Although we are of different nationalities and religions, let us remember this young life cut short.

Hydrocephalus

This little boy is the same age as my youngest child:

Only 3 years old, his head is too heavy for him to even sit up, so he lies in his crib 24/7.

What will his fate be? Left untreated, in the orphanage, he would probably die by the time he is 5 or 6 years old.

However, some people believe that this is not a foregone conclusion. In this country, most children born with hydrocephalus are treated in infancy and then grow and develop normally. Some people are prepared to give this chance to children like this little boy, put themselves out there, and adopt them.

Here is the little boy from that last link again, in an update from 2 months ago.  Adopted when he was already 5 years old, he looked pretty hopeless.   Just over a year - and several operations - later, he is learning to walk and communicate with his family, and making beautiful progress.

TREATED Hydrocephalus

Remember when I was agonizing about children who, in this day and age, are left to die with untreated hydrocephalus?

I am so happy that 2 children with hydrocephalus from Pleven have families committed to them, and have received a shunt to relieve the pressure until their new mommies and daddies come for them.

Marsha's mommy (also adopting Gabby from Pleven) spends all her blogging time advocating for other children.



and Adam




I also want to highlight the story of Micah Evensen, who has been home for barely half a year.  His hydrocephalus had ravaged his brain, to the point that he had very little brain tissue left in a skull filled with fluid.  Nonetheless, he is now learning to feed himself, as well as to communicate, sit up, scribble on paper, crawl, and even walk!  When he came home, he could barely lift his oversized head, and avoided most kinds of stimulation.  Just look at him now!



I can't wait to see how Marsha and Adam blossom when they come home!