The Rainbow Connection

I often speak about prenatal testing and the decision that many people make to terminate a pregnancy when the baby is diagnosed with Down syndrome. On the other side of that coin, however, are the people who choose to have a child with Down syndrome or other special needs. Some of these families, such as Courtney Heigele and her husband Justin of Pudge and Biggie, felt a call to adopt before having children of their own – often because of the influence of a special family member. Others, such as the Stumbo family, heard the call to adopt a child with special needs after unexpectedly having a child with Down syndrome.

In the United States, there is actually a long waiting list to adopt a baby with Down syndrome.

Many families who find themselves on this waiting list consider the possibility of international adoption. Although institutionalization has fallen out of favor (for good reason) in this country, the same can’t be said for many other countries. Children with Down syndrome and other special needs are abandoned in orphanages, and in many cases, transferred to institutions around the age of five. But many of these families who have a strong desire to adopt have a significant obstacle standing in their way: money. International adoption is very expensive.

Reece’s Rainbow is an international Down syndrome ministry for children with Down syndrome and other special needs.

Reece’s Rainbow faciliates adoptions, increases awareness of the plight of orphans around the world, and raises funds for adoption grants that help adoptive families afford the high cost of adopting these special children. Since 2006, Reece’s Rainbow has assisted in placing over 500 children.

This holiday season, Reece’s Rainbow is sponsoring an Angel Tree with the goal of raising $1000 or more this holiday season toward the adoption of a waiting child with Down syndrome. Donations go to the fund of the specific child chosen, and while any dollar amount is welcome, a gift of $35 or more qualifies the donor to receive a special Reece’s Rainbow Christmas ornament. Although the Angel Tree program specifically benefits children ages 0-5 with Down syndrome, there are many other ways to support Reece’s Rainbow and help all of the special children featured there find their forever home.

While perusing the Angel Tree page, my eyes landed on Elden. His photo (shown at top) looks like something straight out of the 1970s (I’m a child of the 70s, so no laughing!), but it’s the sweetness in his expression that captured my attention. I also was drawn to Natalie (shown on the right). Less than a year older than Nathan, I found myself wishing I could photograph her beautiful smile each day like I do Nathan’s. Click on the photos of Elden and Natalie to learn more about each of them or to contribute to their grant fund.

There are many other children on the Reece’s Rainbow Angel Tree this year. As you’re making your list and checking it twice, consider setting aside a little bit of your holiday budget to help a child find a forever family.

I can’t think of a better gift to give than that of a family’s love. Can you?