He has not received adequate transfusions during his life, but he is a fighter and is doing well! But his hemoglobin falls to very low levels before they give him a blood transfusion. This is damaging and life-threatening to his body. He needs a family very soon.
Garrett lives in the orphanage and is now 10 years old. He is described as outgoing, very talkative, and he gets along well with his classmates and roommates. Another boy who knew Garrett at his orphanage said he was a "nice boy." Because of his need for blood transfusions, he goes to school inside the orphanage and he is now in 4th grade. He is said to be among the best in his class not only in his studies but other aspects.
Garrett's file was prepared for international adoption when he was 4 years old. 4 years old.... over six years ago. It is heartbreaking and tragic that he has waited so long. Look at that sweet face... so long ago.
Garrett is a boy who's file has fallen through the cracks it seems. His file was prepared in 2009 when it was still very new to bring home a child with Thalassemia from China. Adoptive parents were just beginning to learn about this disorder since it is not very prevalent in the U.S. Since that time many more families are open to Thalassemia, and more children's files began to be prepared as China learned that these children whose lives depend on blood transfusions to live are "adoptable." Not only are they "adoptable," they are amazingly strong, resilient, and beautiful children who absolutely thrive in families and in countries where they can receive proper care.
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| Another picture from years ago |
But the sad truth is that boys wait longer and the longer they wait, the older they get... which in turn makes them wait even longer. So now Garrett is 10 and he has less than four years left to find a family. When he turns 14 he will no longer be able to be adopted, his chance at a family will be gone forever. And if he is not adopted and stays in China, he will not live long. He would most likely pass away from complications of inadequate care in his late teens or early twenties. Iron is building up in his organs with every blood transfusion and the needed medication to remove that iron is not readily available in China. Adoption is not only his is only chance at a family of his own, but it is his only chance at a long and fulfilling life.
Links to Garrett's videos!
Adoption is much more than "saving" a child.
It's not about feeding and clothing a child or giving him medical care (although in many cases, that is life-saving). It's not about taking him on trips or watching his joy when he gets his first new bike.
Adoption is much, much more than that.
It's about a joy and peace that is unimaginable to us. And often that joy and peace is preceded by chaos, uneasiness, and unknowns. Adoption is about finding a place in your heart you never knew was there. It's about following a calling that seems crazy and unnatural. It's about loss and grieving. But mostly it's about experiencing God's unfailing and unconditional LOVE through this gift we call 'adoption.' There are no words to capture the magnitude of this blessing. I can't tell you it will always be easy, but I can tell you it will always be worth it.
Please share Garrett's story. Let's not wait until he's about to age out of the system for his family to find him. Pray that his family sees him NOW. He needs to come home.
"There are no unwanted children, just unfound families."
"Adopting 1 child won't change the world....
But for that 1 child, the world will change."
Resources to learn about Thalassemia and raising a child with Thal:
http://www.nohandsbutours.com/2015/03/17/the-sea-in-our-blood/
http://crazylifeofthewilksfamily.blogspot.com/2013/11/all-about-thalassemia.html
http://crazylifeofthewilksfamily.blogspot.com/2013/11/all-about-thalassemia.html
Here is a video of a boy adopted from China with Thalassemia. He has to take a medication through a subcutaneous infusion at night, but some people can take an oral medication. Either way, it all becomes routine:) There is also a strong parent support group for people who have children with Thalassemia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjILWvM4Yvo
Garrett's file is currently on the shared list (meaning any agency can pull it for a family.)
Please contact me if you are interested in seeing Garrett's file. alisondri@hotmail.com
Garrett's file is currently on the shared list (meaning any agency can pull it for a family.)
Please contact me if you are interested in seeing Garrett's file. alisondri@hotmail.com
