That chunk of paperwork was the first BIG step in getting approved to bring "Nicholas" home AND attempt to get him home sooner, rather than later. As I mentioned before, we are requesting a medical expedite. Meaning, we are asking that the approval/adoption process be sped up due to the fact that he has Thalassemia.
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body makes an abnormal form of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This disorder results in an excessive destruction of red blood cells, which leads to severe anemia. HERE is a helpful blog written by my new friend and fellow Thal mom, Nicole.
Symptoms can include:
- Bone deformities in the face
- Fatigue
- Growth failure (hence his teeny tiny size at six years old)
- Shortness of breath
- Yellow skin (jaundice)
He has at least four of those symptoms. He needs monthly blood transfusions, and according to his medical records so far, he has only received a few in his entire life. He also needs daily folate supplements and is receiving NONE. There is a very serious blood shortage in China and regular treatment is just not an option for an orphan. Untreated, Thalassemia major leads to heart failure and liver problems, and makes a person more likely to develop infections or even die. Sadly, several children from these orphanages have already passed away.
ONCE HE IS HOME, his Thalassemia will be very manageable and he will be able to live life like a typical little boy 25 days out of the month (the last few before a transfusion, he will likely feel a little more tired and weak. After tranfusion- back to a strong, bouncing boy!). That's the life we can give him, just by being his family.
Fingers crossed that the urgency of his need is recognized and our paperwork is moved quickly.
We are working feverishly on our dossier so that hopefully, the second we get approval from immigration we are ready to go.
The ONLY reason that a quick approval would be a "bad" thing is that big, thick brick wall called MONEY.
Ugh. We absolutely CANNOT move forward right now because of this agency bill. We owe $5,500, due immediately. And when we are ready to submit the dossier (hopefully in the next 30-40 days), we will owe almost another $4,000. It is making me sick to think about our paperwork being ready, and him having to wait longer, just because of money.
We are busting our rear ends, and it is coming. Little by little, and believe me when I say that every.single.dollar. counts. You guys ARE buying cupcakes, and Nathan's jars, and buying from my impromptu online yard sale. Thank you so so much for that. We just have to work harder. And file our taxes ASAP, as that chunk will make a major dent.
Once we get our dossier sent off, we will have more time. Right now we don't. We have about 30 days to come up with nearly $9,000. It's doable. I haven't figure out how yet, but my God is greater!
We are checking schedules and venues to see if moving up our "big" event is an option. We are doubling up on the cupcakes and mason jars effective immediately. Layla is working on a precious option, available soon. I know there have been TONS of inquiries on the photo sessions. I was hoping to wait until Spring when it was warmer, prettier, and a little less chaotic. However, if anyone is interested in scheduling a session now (particularly if you have a newborn/baby or are wanting an indoor session regardless) please contact me. Due to the overwhelming response, I need to spread them out anyway. I've already had at least one photographer generously offer to handle some of the sessions with me. This fundraiser is one of our biggest helps, but if I'm being honest, it is also the most stressful! Spreading them out and having someone partner with me takes a little weight off (trust me, I will be useless to you if I'm a frazzled mess!). Let me know if you are are interested/available to move your session up, please.
And don't forget about our NOONDAY party THIS Friday. I didn't send actual invitations, but it is open to anyone. If you don't know about Noonday, CHECK THEM OUT. I love love love that it helps women earn a sustainable income so they can support their families and stay together! In the case of true orphans, Noonday helps by donating a percentage of sales to adopting families. Our family will receive 25% of sales from this event! You can join us Feb 7th from 6:00-8:00 at my house to see it in person (invite whomever you like). You can also order online using the link (choose Erin Dorn as your Ambassador and my name for the trunk show).
ETA: We have also started the grant applications (they're a pain, but even if just one comes...)
ETA: We have also started the grant applications (they're a pain, but even if just one comes...)
And more than anything, just pray. Pray, wish, share our fundraisers or our YouCaring page (click HERE. I set the goal at $3,200, hoping to reach that by my 32nd birthday on Feb 12.... maybe?), toss a penny, do a naked dance, cross your fingers ... anything would be so very much appreciated.
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