Vote for Reece's Rainbow

Reece's Rainbow is in the running (leading) to win $50,000 from Cultivate Wines' The Give Contest. If RR wins 10 adorable orphans with Down syndrome will receive $5,000 into their individual grants! How amazing would that be? With so many die hard advocates with the heart for orphans this should be no problem. Anyone over the age of 21 is allowed to vote once a day through their facebook account. If you have friends and family members with facebook accounts you can have them all vote once a day also. Please vote daily until Oct 31st, the more votes the better. Click here to VOTE!

Look at these gorgeous kids, vote for them.

Teamwork Tuesday ~ Brent

I have slacked for the last few weeks on my Teamwork Tuesday posts, so who better to write about to start me back up than Brent? Brent has always stuck out to me because of how sweet he looks in his photos. Brent has already been transferred but no one would know that by looking at his beaming picture. Most of the kids when transferred look defeated, malnourished and neglected. Brent looks like he is still full of life! I guess it's no surprised that Brent is the orphanage favorite, who wouldn't love this little boy?

Brent's medical records note that he has severe mental retardation,  Down syndrome, displastic cardiopathy (О.О.О.) converging strabismus and post-tuberculosis neuro-sclerosis. He is considered lower functioning but I think a loving family can change that. I think any family would be so lucky to have this adorable 7 year old in their family.

If you would like to donate to Brent's grant here is the link. I should add that Brent has a sizeable grant, it's sitting at a little over $10,000.  He has many people rallying and fundraising for him, I'm sure his future family will have no problems finding fundraising helpers.

A shower for the newest 5 Unroe's

A sweet friend of mine Colleen is hosting a virtual shower for one of the most amazing families I know, the Unroe's. The Unroe's have 5 little ones coming home in a few short weeks and are still a little short on funds. Amanda Unroe is one of the most giving women I know, she is the first to give to others fundraisers and will spread awareness to other families before her own. Since she is such a great support to other fundraisers and families I think people forget to ask how her funding is coming along. That's why I am so glad there are people like Colleen to host such a unique fundraiser to benefit families like the Unroe's.

Here are the 5 newest Unroe's. Just a warning, there is some major "cuteness" packed into these 5 pictures:

                                             

 Here is the link to the shower Colleen is holding for the Unroe's.

Update on Brady and the Kona Inspired contest.

Here is what Brady wrote in his blog recently as an update:

"My family and I have loved being able to work on behalf of the children on Reece's Rainbow since finding this great organization. It's for this reason that I had a hard time sleeping because of the excitement after hearing about this announcement!

Two months ago, Ironman announced a contest called Kona Inspired. How it works is they have given the general public an opportunity to submit a 90 second video based around the theme, "Anything is Possible". Winners receive a spot to race in the Ironman World Championship in October, but most importantly, they will race as a media athlete and have the opportunity to share their story on NBC's nationally televised broadcast of the championship this year! THIS COULD BE OUR OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE THESE PRECIOUS CHILDREN'S STORY WITH THE WORLD!!!

After reading Ironman's press release we immediately went to work. This is an opportunity to help these children in a way that I never imagined possible! The video came together with the help of many wonderful people and we submitted it. 105 videos were submitted. After over a month long preliminary public voting, we just received word that we are one of the top 15 videos and will compete in the final round of voting June 4 - June 18!!!

Please take a moment to WATCH, VOTE, and SHARE our video as much as possible throughout the day from your home computer, work computer, laptop, phone, etc! We need to be in the top 2 videos at the end of the day on June 18.

KONA INSPIRED VIDEO LINK

Thank you for your time and willingness to make the dream of these orphans of finding their forever family a reality!"

 

I know Brady wrote in his update that he made it to the top 15 voted videos, but I wanted to add that he is at the #1 voted spot! We need to keep him there. He has the whole Reece's Rainbow community supporting him. It's amazing to watch the votes keep climbing throughout the day, please share the video link and vote. He is making a difference.

Teamwork Tuesday ~ Priscilla

This happy little girl is named Priscilla. She is 2 years old and is described as being communicative, cheerful, active, friendly, and likes to play with different toys. Priscilla is struggling with "pre-leukemia" which is also known as congenital myelodysplastic syndrome. She also has some facial features that are prevalent in children with FAS.

To view her profile or donate to her grant.

Here's more information about adopting in her region:

Married couples only

No parental age restrictions
No stated family size restrictions
Total with travel approx $25k
Both parents for 2 1/2 weeks to attend court
Both parents return home for 10 day wait
Only one must return to complete the adoption for approx 14 days
No history of mental health conditions or infectious diseases
No criminal history
May adopt multiple unrelated children
Adopting in her region can be very fast, an average of 7 months. So families should be financially prepared to move quickly.

I have never been so excited and sad as I am writing this post. This weeks child for teamwork Tuesday is Darryl. My husband and I desperately wanted to commit to this boy but it fell through. I pray about Darryl daily and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't daydream about him, about what he is doing, feeling, wanting. He is almost 5 and is facing transfer to an adult mental institution if he isn't already there. His profile says how sweet, friendly, physically active and sociable he is. You can just tell the amazing kid he is just by looking at his photos. There isn't anything I've wanted more than for Darryl to have a family. Please please please someone go get him. I will personally help you fundraise, whatever it takes to get him home. I love this little boy to pieces, maybe you can too?

Here is information on adopting Darryl:

3 trips are required

1st trip, Both parents for 5-7 days

2-3 month wait for the judge to appoint the court hearing

Both parents travel for 2nd trip about 7 days, both parents leave after the court hearing

30-day waiting period is NOT waived for special needs

Only one parent would need to return after the 30-day wait

Up to 5 young children in the home if the family income is sizeable (the adopted child being the 5th child)

Both parents must be younger than 60 years

Parents may NOT be currently on anti-depressants; prior history of anti-depressants may be permitted on a case-by-case basis

No criminal background (DWI's acceptable on a case by case basis)

EASY TRAVEL IN-COUNTRY

Fee includes orphanage donation

Married couples and single heterosexual mothers may apply

Un-related children may not be adopted simultaneously

Total program and travel fees approx $35-40K

Update On Isabel!

I was just browsing through different websites for waiting children like I do most nights and was so surprised when I saw Isabel had a new photo on my favorite site Reece's Rainbow! I don't know how "new" it is since I've been slacking a little in advocating department for her. Look at her now! She has grown so much since her last photo, I don't know how she keeps getting cuter and cuter!

There is also a little update from a family who met her back in March of 2012. "Isabel and Holly are together in the same group. She is small for her age, not walking yet, but the caregivers are working on helping her stand and she takes steps holding their hands. She is a very happy, sweet, gentle personality. She enjoyed our time interacting and responded well to being hugged and held in my arms. She is tiny for her age but looks healthy overall."

To read more about this adorable little girl I love so much or to donate to her grant CLICK THIS.

Teamwork Tuesday~ Kyle

This blue eyed handsome blondie is Kyle, he is 5 years old and will be transferred to an adult mental institution soon if his forever family doesn't find him quick! He is blessed with the extra chromosome and is medically healthy. His profile states he has flat feet (so does a large portion of our population,) and strabismus which is commonly known as "crossed eyes." His eyes look perfect to me, but what do I know? I'm slightly partial to these kids.

Although many of the kids we blog about need to come home to their families, Kyle is in DIRE need of one. At his age he is facing imminent transfer to an adult mental institution. There is a family out there for him, they may just not know about him yet. So please pass  Kyle's profile around and donate if you are able.

Here is some information on adopting in his region:
3 trips are required

Both parents for first trip, about one week

2-3 month wait for the judge to appoint the court hearing

Both parents travel for 2nd trip, approximately 7 days

After the 30 day waiting period imposed by the judge only one parent need to travel for the 3rd trip to pick-up the child, the length of this trip is 13 to 17 days depending upon the orphanage, district and the day of the week that you pick up the child. After which a minimum of 3 to 4 days is required in Moscow to obtain the child's visa and register at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Applicants should be no more than 45 years older than the child

Single heterosexual women may adopt; approvals on a case by case basis

This region prefers families with no more than 4 at home.

Total program and travel fees approx $35-40k

Fee includes a $1000 orphanage donation

One or two children can be adopted at the same time; approvals on a case by case basis

Judges pay close attention to a family's income level

No criminal background

No history of mental health concerns (depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, or other mental health issues)

Teamwork Tuesday ~ Quinten

This week we are all blogging about sweet Quinten. He is 2 1/2 years old with grey eyes and his profile notes he has red hair, looks more like a strawberry blonde to me. Not that it matters, he would be cute with any color hair. His profile also says he is noisy and active. The current diagnosis is Down syndrome, delayed development, protein-calorie deficiency and non malignant growth.

I have 2 boys and I'm not sure if I have any photos of them like the photo of Quinten here. My boys are way too active and rambunctious and that's the way it should be. Unfortunately, Quinten doesn't have a picture like that because he is stuck in an orphanage. An orphanage with other orphans that all long to have a mama and daddy come get them. Can you see Quinten playing in your backyard? Could he be your baby boy? If not, you might know his mama. Please share his profile so his family can find him. Quinten


Here is more information to adopt in his region:
     3 trips are required

Both parents for first trip, about one week

2-3 month wait for the judge to appoint the court hearing

Both parents travel for 2nd trip, approximately 7 days

After the 30 day waiting period imposed by the judge only one parent need to travel for the 3rd   trip to pick-up the child, the length of this trip is 13 to 17 days depending upon the orphanage, district and the day of the week that you pick up the child. After which a minimum of 3 to 4 days is required in Moscow to obtain the child's visa and register at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Applicants should be no more than 45 years older than the child

Single heterosexual women may adopt; approvals on a case by case basis

This region prefers families with no more than 4 at home.

Total program and travel fees approx $35-40k

Fee includes a $1000 orphanage donation

One or two children can be adopted at the same time; approvals on a case by case basis

Judges pay close attention to a family's income level

No criminal background

No history of mental health concerns (depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, or other mental health issues)

Watch, Vote and Share!

I know so many of you who follow my blog know all about Brady Murray. He is a father to an adorable little boy with Down syndrome, an amazing advocate for Reece's Rainbow and now will become an Ironman. He is determined to complete the full Ironman which is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a full marathon (26.2 miles), all to raise awareness and money for orphans with Down syndrome. His video is currently in 12th place and we need to rally together and vote and share this video to as many people as possible. Let's get him to the top 8! Vote and Share this please.

If you would like to read more about Brady and his family or follow along their journey visit there site. http://rodsracing.org/

Winners for A Chance For Chandler Giveaway

A Chance for Chandler Giveaway has now ended. I want to say thank you to all the people who donated and shared. Together we raised $335.00! The Marble family still have a ways to go to be fully funded so please continue to share and donate to them. I can't say enough good things about them, and I can't wait for them to bring Chandler home! If you would like to follow along their journey be sure to check out their blog Child of My Heart.

Here are the winners:

Any necklace of the winner's choice. Randi
jillianmb8

Matryoshka Nesting Doll Earrings Colleen
Wingedpony

Cute Candy Earrings Ashley
Wingedpony

Air Force Deployment Countdown Blocks Colleen
signsandsuch

Any Stencil of winner's choice up to $50.00 Chandres
Cutting Edge Stencils

Orb of Sky Necklace Leah
Woodbury Wares

Hand Crochet Owl Hat Beth
Donated by Tara H.

Donated by Kristi A.
Scentsy Warmer and Home Sweet Home Bars  Christina Scott

Zebra Boots up to size 15 months  Cilla
Peachy Keen Hair

Headband of winner's choice Leah
Peachy Keen Hair

Necklace of winner's choice Jenn A.
MattieGraceGifts

All 3 items Donated by Priscilla M.
Love Conquers All
Fabric Covered Bow Holder Mommaofmany

A flower hairbow/headband combo in pink, green, yellow, orange, or purple
Catvinnat

Handmade Tutu Chandres

Fairys Tiptoe Dress 3months- 6 years. Sarah
Mrslaura30

2 oz Salve in any scent of winners choice Kate
Cupcake Kisses

Matryoshka Peasan Dress (12m -4t)Valeriya Hansina

Matryoshka Skirt Allen & Carrie
Valeriya

$50.00 Gift Certificate to Silpada Design Christina Schye
Donated by Tanya Robinson

Please contact me with your address so I can let the donors know where to send the items. Thanks again!

Teamwork Tuesday ~ Andrey

What a cutie!

Andrey is a 5 year old boy with Down syndrome. It's noted on his profile that he may have other possible facial deformities, but I think he looks perfect! He is personable, active and friendly. What more could you ask for?

More information on adopting within his region:

3 trips

5 days first, both parents travel

2nd trip for court, both parents travel (about 4 days)

30 day wait period after court, one parent returns

Region prefers no more than 4 children at home

Total program and travel fees approx $25k

MARRIED COUPLES ONLY IN THIS REGION

Andrey

Teamwork Tuesday ~ Langley

There are so many people that advocate and love Langley within the Reece's Rainbow community and taking I'm sure you can see why with one quick look at his photos. He is perfect. Langley is 4 1/2 years old and Down syndrome. He is described as being friendly, emotional, affectionate, active, social, and easy going. He can also eat well independently and plays well with others.

From one of our adoptive families who met him in December 2011: " I saw him today. After days of scanning faces, I walked into Bella's group and SAW HIM!! He is a doll. He is so cute! He looks healthy and is walking. I had a banana for Bella (which they wouldn't let me give it to her) and he took it. He bit right through the peeling. If they would have let me, I would have given it to him. Oh sweet boy...you need a mama!!!"
Friendly, emotional, affectionate boy. Active, social, friendly. Easy going. Eats well independently. Plays well with toys and likes to help others.

Langley already has over $4,000 in his grant to help fund his adoption. Donate to Langley

Here is some information about adopting in his region:

MULTIPLE UNRELATED CHILDREN CAN BE ADOPTED TOGETHER (with adequate income level)

3 trips

1st trip, Both parents for 7 days

Wait 2-3 months for court

Both parents travel for 2nd trip for court hearing, 10 days

This region does not waive the 30 day wait

Only one parent has to make third trip of 2 weeks

No more than 6 children at home

Applicants should be no more than 45 years older than the child

Total program and travel fees under $35k

Married couples and single mothers may apply

No criminal background

No history of mental health concerns (depression, bipolar, or other mental health issues)

URGENT

There is a sweet young girl named Sarah who is in DIRE need of a family to commit to her. If a family doesn't commit to her in the next week or two her file will go back. It will just show her country that she in fact isn't wanted or valued. We all know this isn't the case. Her family just hasn't found her yet but time is not on our side. She is in such a HORRIBLE horrific place, her family needs to find her now. They need to save her. Look at her, look at how alone she is, look at how hurt she is, look at her tears. No child should have to live like this.

Look at how happy she can be. She would be an amazing addition to any family.

If you are considering to commit to her, if you feel in any way she is yours please contact Reece's Rainbow. You have no idea the amount of support you would receive in raising funds if that's what is needed to get this process going. Sarah's Reece's Rainbow Profile

More photos and information on Sarah

Teamwork Tuesday ~ Trey

Trey has just turned 2 a couple months ago and is sitting at an orphanage waiting for a family to choose him. He was born at 36 weeks gestation, but it developing cognitively very well. He is said to be very attentive, affectionate and smiling.

His full medical records are available but here is what's mentioned under his profile:
From his medical records: The child had the following conditions: bronchial pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis, obstructive bronchitis. The boy is on constant base therapy with Pulmicort and Fenoterol+Ipratropium bromide.
Present diagnoses: Down Syndrome, open oval window, additional chord of the left ventricle of heart, hypostatura, perinatal hypoxic-ishemic affection of central nervous system, both-sided cryptorchism, congenital malformation of lungs (under question), bronchiectasis (under question).

Medically he is in urgent need of care, that he can't get where he is. Even if you aren't his family you can still make a difference by donating to his grant and passing his page around. You never know, the page you pass around might unite him to his family!


Here's information on adopting within his region:
3 trips are required

Both parents for first trip, about one week

2-3 month wait for the judge to appoint the court hearing

Both parents travel for 2nd trip, approximately 7 days

After the 30 day waiting period imposed by the judge only one parent need to travel for the 3rd   trip to pick-up the child, the length of this trip is 13 to 17 days depending upon the orphanage, district and the day of the week that you pick up the child. After which a minimum of 3 to 4 days is required in Moscow to obtain the child's visa and register at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Applicants should be no more than 45 years older than the child

Single heterosexual women may adopt; approvals on a case by case basis

This region prefers families with no more than 4 at home.

Total program and travel fees approx $35-40k

Fee includes a $1000 orphanage donation

One or two children can be adopted at the same time; approvals on a case by case basis

Judges pay close attention to a family's income level

No criminal background

No history of mental health concerns (depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, or other mental health issues)

We have an AMAZING agency partner serving the children in this region. They are a US licensed and Hague and Russia-accredited agency with a strong track record of outstanding customer service and attention to detail. This is a great program with easy travel and very accommodating, especially for single mothers! These children are located in a major city, with no cross-country travel to remote regions required.


Donate to Trey's Grant. He already has over 4k, let's get him higher.

Love Multiplied Giveaway

My sweet friend Colleen is hosting a HUGE giveaway to help bring precious Lyla home to her family. They need to raise $9574.00 more to be fully funded. There are hundrends of dollars worth of items up for grabs including a Ipad 3 32G! There are only 2 days left of this giveaway so go enter for a chance at one of these amazing prizes! You can help bring home a little girl who has waited too long to come home.

Enter the Love Multiplied Giveaway

Teamwork Tuesday ~ Evelyn

Oh my goodness, look at that sweet face! Evelyn will be turning four soon and is facing the institution. I don't think it will be hard for a family to commit to her, they just need to see her first. So the more her profile is shared the better her chances are. Who wouldn't want to bring home that precious face?

Here are some requirements on adopting in her region:

1st trip, Both parents for 5-7 days

Wait 2-3 months for court

Both parents travel for 2nd trip, one can leave after 4 days, the other waits 10-25 days longer

This particular region *often* waives the 10 days, but parents must be prepared to make a 3rd    trip, with the new 30 day wait after court

Two unrelated children may be adopted on a case by case basis

No family size restrictions

Mother must not be more than 48 years older than child

Fee includes a $500 orphanage donation

Married couples and single mothers may apply

Total approx cost $30k

Finally moved in

It's been a very hectic few weeks from moving to Presley being in the hospital, it has been eventful to say the least. We closed on our house and have moved in finally! This house is beyond perfect for us and with the wrap around porch I can pretend I'm still in the south. I'll be posting more photos since my family has been bugging me to when we are more settled in.

A Chance for Chandler Giveaway!

No child should ever have to live their life as an orphan or see the walls of a mental institution. Every orphan deserves a chance at life and luckily Chandler has that chance now that his family has found him. The Marble family is committed to bringing home their son who is in Eastern Europe right now but they need help getting him home. If we don't step up and help bring Chandler home he faces what many special needs orphans face in that part of the world, being institutionalized where he would be confined to a crib until his dying day.  We can't let that happen! This amazingly adorable little boy needs to be home with his forever family as soon as possible so he can enjoy his new life.

The Marbles are an amazing military family of 8. Michelle is an Air Force Veteran and her husband David is Active Duty Air Force who is currently deployed. What I find amazing is that they have 6 children, the youngest having Down syndrome and Congenital Heart Disease and have decided to adopt another beautiful little boy with Down syndrome all while David is deployed. I think that alone shows what an amazingly selfless family they are. They live their lives serving our country and even in the most stressful of times they are commited to serving our God.

This Giveaway will run from April 1st until May 1st. Winners will be chosen from a random online generator and will be posted within the first week of May.

$5= 2 chances

$10= 5 chances
$50= 25 chances
$100= 50 chances
For every share on Facebook/Twitter/Blog post= 1 chance

To donate please donate to either the ChipIn or the Reece's Rainbow FSP link both located on the top left corner of this blog. I'd like to note that all donations made through the Reece's Rainbow donation box set up for Chandler will be tax-deductable. All donations made through the ChipIn are not tax-deductable but these are the funds that will be available for the family prior to travel.

Please leave a comment below with your entries and what your first choice item is.

Any necklace of the winner's choice.
jillianmb8

Matryoshka Nesting Doll Earrings
Wingedpony

Cute Candy Earrings
Wingedpony

Air Force Deployment Countdown Blocks
signsandsuch

Any Stencil of winner's choice up to $50.00
Cutting Edge Stencils

Orb of Sky Necklace
Woodbury Wares

Hand Crochet Owl Hat
Donated by Tara H.

Donated by Kristi A.
Scentsy Warmer and Home Sweet Home Bars

Zebra Boots up to size 15 months
Peachy Keen Hair

Headband of winner's choice
Peachy Keen Hair

Necklace of winner's choice
MattieGraceGifts

All 3 items Donated by Priscilla M.
Love Conquers All
Fabric Covered Bow Holder

A flower hairbow/headband combo in pink, green, yellow, orange, or purple

 Handmade Tutu

Fairys Tiptoe Dress 3months- 6 years.
Mrslaura30

2 oz Salve in any scent of winners choice
Cupcake Kisses

Matryoshka Peasan Dress (12m -4t)Valeriya

Matryoshka Skirt
Valeriya

$50.00 Gift Certificate to Silpada Design
Donated by Tanya Robinson

“It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish.”
- Mother Teresa

"I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver"
-Maya Angelou