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The England Grant of $2500 may be available for qualifying families.
Individualized grant funding for qualifying families may be available through our President’s Grant. Contact us for more details!
***UPDATE***
We are happy to share brand new information from August 2023 for sweet, little Van. Van was born November of 2020 and his diagnoses is Edwards Syndrome including congenital cardiac malformation with large intracardiac defect, cortical blindness, and severe delay in the neuro-psychological development. The new report says the following:
The meeting took place August 2023 at what is sadly considered one of the worst orphanages in Bulgaria where the children get almost no personal attention and sometimes poor care.
Van was extremely calm during the whole visit. He sleeps in a small room, together with three other children with disabilities. He sleeps in a crib. He spends most of his time in his bed, being periodically put in a chaise lounge or in a car basket. He cannot sit upright, either independently, as well as with support. His position in the lounger/car seat is semi-recumbent.
Van predominantly uses his right hand and his body is almost constantly turned slightly to the right. He can turn from his back to one side and vice versa, he cannot turn on his stomach. When placed on his stomach, he cannot raise his head. Van is basically blind, according to the diagnosis and by a specialist, although the staff has doubts because the child often reacts to light. During my visit, when displaying and attempting to stimulate a reaction with a ball of light, no such reaction was observed.
Van showed interest in the new toys and especially in the noisy book which he grabbed with his right hand, held for a while and even waved it with his hand. As the teacher shared, he grabs like a crab, with pincers. The ball turned out to be too big for him to hold in one hand. Although the book was kind of prickly, Van did not react in any way, not even by pulling away.
A sharp noise does not startle Van, this was also evident from the sharp squealing from the side of the ball. He listens when there is music, and can show a slight liveliness/activity. He does not react to his name. He likes to be paid attention to, to be spoken to gently and to be hugged. He does not mind being touched … even from a stranger. Van’s entire care must be provided for by an adult. He is fed with a tube, being on 5 feedings per day. He doesn’t get angry or protest when changing or bathing. His sleep is peaceful.
From what I saw Val would be much better in a family environment. In the “home”, he mostly spends his time in his bed doing nothing and getting no attention. Every child deserves attention and love and stimulation. I really hope that this sweet boy will find his forever family soon!
Video from August 2023:
***
Please meet cute Van. He was born in November of 2020. His diagnosis is Edwards Syndrome including congenital cardiac malformation with large intracardiac defect, cortical blindness, and severe delay in the neuro-psychological development. The boy is fed with a tube due to a weak sucking reflex.
Van is said to have no head control, nor does he make any specific sounds or syllables. According to medical reports Van has cortical blindness and is not supposed to see. However, both the pedagogue and doctor are of the opinion that he can see something because he follows objects with his eyes, and it seems that from time to time he stares at things or people. He turns his head and his eyes towards the direction where the sounds come from. He also grasps toys hanging above him that produce sounds. Sadly, sweet Van lives in an orphanage known for its lack of care for the children. He appears to be mostly left in his crib. It is heartbreaking to know that a child with Edwards disease usually passes away shortly after birth because of the severe heart defect so it is unknown how much longer Van will live. We hope there is a family out there willing to make life happier and more comfortable for Van.
Video from Feb 2023 from another agency
For more information, please contact: Kathy@wiaa.org. You will be asked to complete a parent eligibility form before any file information can be released.
Please be aware that children on our waiting list may be under review by multiple families. Additionally, a child’s availability status may change on short notice. Please contact Kathy@wiaa.org for the most up-to-date status of a child.
Disclaimer:
WIA is not responsible for the medical information summarized here. Medical information sent by other countries may be inaccurate or incomplete. Prospective Adoptive Parents reserve the right to have medical information evaluated by a medical professional in the United States.
