Monday, October 15, 2012

Constantine: The Story of a Tiny Boy

Welcome, readers new and old! It has been awhile since my last update, so I'll get right to it.

On Reece's Rainbow, the website for an adoption ministry that profiles special-needs children, it's easy to fall in love with a picture and a story. Lots of kids' pages have some medical information and firsthand progress reports from missionaries or adoptive parents who came for other children, but saw other kids in the same orphanage and took notice so that they could report back about how those kids are doing.

These anecdotes usually aren't that long or detailed. But humans are drawn to narratives, and there's something about knowing a little - anything - that makes it easier to foster connections.

For most of these kids, their best chance is for a special person or family to find a sketchy passage and vague photo so compelling that they're motivated to do put the wheels in motion. In a way, it's all in the story. But not every child listed on Reece's Rainbow has the blessing of a compelling narrative to help pull at the heartstrings of prospective parents and donors. Here's the information from Constantine's RR listing: "1nrmd-15. Boy, born October 2009. Gray eyes. The nature of close, calm. Constantine is paralyzed on one side of his body; he is a beautiful child!" And that's the sum total of the official rundown on Constantine. Basically name, rank and serial number. Even here, in this place that represents his best chance for finding a family, his voice is only the faintest whisper.

(Constantine's latest photo, from summer 2012)

Constantine really has no story - at least, not one that anyone seems to know. So I'll tell you what I do know.

I have virtually nothing on his background. I know he's from one of the Slavic countries, and that he does not live in a major city (but near one). I have no idea why he was given up for adoption or by whom, or even what his diagnosis must be - RR's website says he is paralyzed on one side of his body, which doesn't tell us much. I know he turns three years old this month.

The following was taken from a website for orphanage volunteers in 15H, Constantine's region. The group seems to be called "The Children in Need", and they work to donate money and toys to children in this region. I'm posting the translation, which reflects some slang - but it's pretty easy to catch on to the general gist. The posts are as recent as this summer.


"At first glance, Constantine normal child his age, but unfortunately it is not. 
Health problems are many and they are not small. Constantine all smiles and having fun - a kind of boy ulybaka - and so pretty coo to himself. Constantine chubby pink cheeks, sparkling eyes and amazing smile! 

"He is very calm kid, who responds to the surrounding events in the same way as all the children - his peers: with joy, care and sincerity. Constantine in his 2.5 years [this entry dates from earlier this year - Constantine is about three years old now] still sits badly on their own and almost did not go.

"In April and November 2011 Constantine was treated in ophthalmology. At the hospital with him constantly at the nurse and the boy sat down and began to walk a bit - including its merit! 
All the doctors who were engaged in Constantine noted his strong will and a desire to become independent! 

"It was also recommended to continue the occupation and then the majority of diagnoses will preodaleno now until the next admission, Constantine  along with a nanny lives in a rehabilitation center, spa, where medical facilities are very good. Nurse leads to Constantine procedure takes care of him and is constantly engaged.Constantine, as Ilya and Sasha [two other boys mentioned in this same post], was hospitalized in the ophthalmic department for treatment. 

"He's just a cutie. Often smiling and so sweetly coo himself."

Other volunteers have posted additional updates on the thread since the publication of the original post.

"Now, to the next hospital, along with a nanny Constantine lives in a rehabilitation center, health centers, where a very good medical facilities. Babysitting leads Constantine for procedures, cares for them and is constantly engaged." 

"Doctors say Constantine advances in: pens have become more mobile, a speech therapist, he performs simple requests such as "put the ball in the box", and even breaks the repetition of simple words for the nannys - how Constantine tries!"


(Look how big he has gotten since these photos were taken ...)

"Constantine does not work the left side of the body. He really wants to get up, but he can not, strength is not enough. And Constantine so happy when the nurse comes up to him, picks him up and puts in a playpen. Indeed, support for child care helps to move on Coast arena [using context clues, I think this might mean 'around the edge']. In the arena of Constantine holding his right hand over the side. A right foot trying to step into. And so on all the way millimeter. Constantine is trying very hard to the left side of the body and start listening with great patience attends all procedures for treatment."

"After a hospital stay with a babysitter great progress. Constantine of good DR, there are worried about children involved with them. Progress not only did not disappear, but will continue. Sooner or later the child will have to transfer to another institution in the age ... really would not want it to be a home for the disabled. And for this boy to the development, individual lessons are important."

And according to one of them, he's got quite a way with the ladies!


"Thank you all for your support of Constantine - we have to pay the amount of child care to the next hospital. Constantine - understands everything, but do not speak. but that does not stop him because he liked to get a thing or achieve and maintain their views. Constantine firm. If he wants - better to give it to him and did not even argue with Constantine - selective. He did not take it that will offer, he will take what he likes. Despite the fact that Constantine does not talk and is not very well walk, Constantine - a real future man. Confident, strong, terse. Constantine gladly chat and play games. My favorite toy - this colorful robot that squeaks, rattles, sparkles and shimmers lights. Constantine not work until one arm. But the other hand is very strong and with the help of bone can move any object. Constantine learned to eat with a spoon, and now he eats. And as the dimples in his cheeks do not leave indifferent any of the girl next to."


That paints a pretty colorful picture for me. I wish I could get this information out there so someone looking for a child could picture Constantine in his or her mind, and decide to take that next step to express interest in adopting him - which, even if an inquiry did not come to fruition as an adoption, it might help get even more information about him!

The truth is, I wish I could be the one to take that step. I wish Constantine could be my son. It's really difficult not to be able to do any more than I can to help him.

I can't adopt Constantine, for various reasons. I don't meet the income requirements by a long shot, and there are other reasons that have nothing to do with money, too. Hard reasons to talk about. But even if I could overcome all the obstacles, that would take time and Constantine needs action now. He has only one more year before transfer looms. That isn't very long at all. When I think of how he could flourish with the therapy he receives there, multiplied ... and how he'll regress if he is institutionalized and the treatments stop. It's pretty heartbreaking and more than a little discouraging.

Even more frustrating than that ... even without a story online, I can't understand why Constantine is overlooked. Other kids with paltry narratives have been chosen before. I think he's an adorable little boy, and apparently he has a condition that responds well to therapy. Every time a Reece's Rainbow advocate posts a status on Facebook that reads, "Look who's on 'My Family Found Me'!" I hope against hope that it will be Constantine ... but it never is. His grant fund languishes at $268 - please don't get me wrong; I do not mean to discount that number. It took a lot of hard work to get that far. But the dollar amount needs to be greater, always greater.

All I can hope is that this post - or some post, somewhere - catches someone's eye and tugs at their heart.  Virtually every day I seem to see kids on Reece's Rainbow who find homes and who suffer from far more daunting medical problems than Constantine's, so I don't think that's it. I think it's the absence of his story. So please, read what little I know and share. We don't have many words to describe him, but I think the ones we do have paint a pretty clear picture - a tiny boy getting the therapy he desperately needs, but is in danger of losing. Can't you just see him: insisting on trying to walk, playing with his toy robot, catching the eye of all the girls in his general vicinity?


I continue to try to find out more about Constantine. The silence and sheer lack of information is slowly suffocating his chances. I just wish someone else was on board with the enthusiasm, care and love I have for this child. I know there are others in the RR community who love him. What I long for is another person willing to take the special step - a leap of faith, really - and turn that whisper into a shout, to find out what Constantine has to offer.

I have a feeling the answer will not be a disappointment.

(You can join Constantine's Facebook group here.)

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Trying to Get Back In the Game

I haven't blogged in ages. Blogger has made some changes that currently are not allowing me to embed videos or some pictures I want to include. For example, I came across some photos of John Mark that I hadn't seen before, but I can't copy or save them from the originating Blogger site. Please click through, as this site has many wonderful pictures of our little boy. Drat to Blogger ... for the time being, I may be stuck with plain text, urging you to click links. But I'll do the best I can with what I have.

Constantine's fund is up to $170 and change. At the suggestion of a Facebook friend, I am trying to get the web administrator to post a more recent picture of him on the RR site - one with him holding up his head and looking a little more lively. We have a long way to go to get him bumped to the Sizable Grants page.


The same friend mentioned above sent me some new (to me) information about Constantine - whose real name, it appears, might be Kostya. This is translated from Russian so it reads a little oddly; Amber (who sent me the link) believes he lives near but not in Moscow.  The web translator has some trouble with slang but you will get the overall picture. It's great to get any details that are available.


At first glance, Kostya normal child his age, but unfortunately it is not. Health problems are many and they are not small. 


Kostya all smiles and having fun - a kind of boy ulybaka - and so pretty coo to himself. Kostya chubby pink cheeks, sparkling eyes and amazing smile! He is very calm kid, who responds to the surrounding events in the same way as all the children - his peers: with joy, care and sincerity. 


Kostya in his 2.5 years still sits badly on their own and almost did not go. 


In April and November 2011 . Kostya was treated in ophthalmology. At the hospital with him constantly at the nurse and the boy sat down and began to walk a bit - including its merit! All the doctors who were engaged in Constantine noted his strong will and a desire to become independent! It was also recommended to continue the occupation and then the majority of diagnoses will preodaleno now until the next admission, Kostya, along with a nanny lives in a rehabilitation center, spa, where medical facilities are very good. Nurse leads to Kostya procedure takes care of him and is constantly engaged.


Kostya, as Ilya and Sasha [two other boys mentioned in this same post], was hospitalized in the ophthalmic department for treatment. He's just a cutie. Often smiling and so sweetly coo himself.

Another friend who speaks Russian is supposed to be inquiring about Constantine, though I haven't heard anything back from her yet. Here's hoping! In the meantime, I haven't forgotten him. I am still collecting change to turn into a donation, and still brooding about fundraising. It seems as though the RR community is simply exhausted when it comes to auctions, giveaways, and other typical fundraising undertakings. Understandably, much of the effort and money tends to go toward families who have committed to adopting children and need funding to make those adoptions reality.


(Constantine's change jar. Lots of quarters and some dollar bills in there!)

It's discouraging sometimes; but we'll keep trying until we make a difference.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Close to home - win some NICE swag!

This giveaway is being held by a friend of mine and benefits the grant fund for Konner, another small boy in Constantine's region. There are some pretty cute prizes, and no donation is necessary for a chance to win. You should check it out! (And don't hesitate to share the link with anyone else who might be interested, 'cause that would be awesome, too.)


If you'd like a chance to win an iPad or some pretty substantial giftcards, among other prizes, try Lilianna's giveaway. A lot of people love this little girl, and her family really needs the help.


The great thing about both of these giveaways? To enter, all you need to do is donate OR spread the word on your own social media sites.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Giveaway time for Hazel

Here's a really good giveaway - a chance to help an adopting family and win an iPad or some really nice software. Check it out!

Up next time ... I'll explore whether or not I should be containing my efforts to my own backyard - pros and cons.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Progress on the Grants!

Constantine now has $70 in his grant. He's benefitting from astronomical financial support compared to what he had only a few months ago.

And adorable John Mark's grant is approaching the $500 mark.

I'm still working on fundraising ideas. I haven't really come up with anything viable yet. I hate to waste time, yet I don't want to waste said time or effort on a fundraiser that won't be successful, or bother people and burn them out on my concept with something that isn't that effective. So I'm still watching and waiting, collecting ideas for something that will really work. And that I'll really be able to pull off. Suggestions are more than welcome.

Both Constantine and John Mark are still young and have some time before facing imminent institutionalization. But they'll be four years old and facing a life in a room full of other bedridden children if something isn't done soon. My understanding is that many children with CP or paralysis, like Constantine, are restrained so as not to cause too much trouble for the already-overextended orphanage staff.


If neither Constantine nor John Mark speaks to you right now, consider helping the Jenks family. They're adopting two DS babies and have a sizable grant, but they need more money - and lots of it - by the end of March to pay for their facilitator (the person who makes the adoption process come together). They still have a long way to go for their fundraising. These two babies already have bedrooms waiting for them. You can follow their story here.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Waiting on a Ransom

My next entry is already rattling around upstairs, but frankly, I'm too tired to type it out at this moment. For the moment, I'll share news of this important giveaway to support two orphans who have a committed family but really, really need funds by April.


I hope you'll click through and check it out.

Monday, March 5, 2012

What I Do Know

On the Reece's Rainbow site, it's really easy to fall in love with a picture and a story. Some of the children are lucky enough to have listings complete with detailed narratives - accounts written by volunteers or parents who visited the orphanage in the process of adopting other children.

Poor Constantine doesn't have a captivating story posted online, at least not that I can find. He only has these few scraps of description: "Gray eyes. The nature of close, calm [a lot of the translated descriptions of temperament from Russia and Eastern Europe appear to read like this]. Constantine is paralyzed on one side of his body; he is a beautiful child!"

It's better than nothing, but not something that would necessarily catch the eyes of most people, especially when there are plenty of orphans on RR with more detail (like John Mark!) I'm afraid the one-sentence summary on his page is going to hurt Constantine's chances of finding a family and attracting donations. In the six months or so that I've been following "Other Angels" on RR, Constantine's grant has had virtually no contributions, not even at Christmas. Aside from a dollar or two (maybe) I have donated all the money that's currently in his grant account.

So I'm trying to find out more about Constantine, by looking for someone who has been to 15H recently or is planning to go. On the RR Facebook forum, one user thought that he might be in the same baby house as her "Guardian Angel" child, but then said that he is not, so I'm back to square one. Apparently there are more than 10 baby houses, orphanages and other institutions in Region 15. I've still got feelers out, and if I find out any more information, I'll post it here in hopes that if anyone does a Google search for Constantine, they might find this page.

Meanwhile, here is some updated information about John Mark, including a new picture!



















Andrea's post also featured the picture below, which looks older but that I haven't seen before.

What a cutie!

I'm going to try to come up with some tangible fundraising ideas in the very near future. I need something that's not too labor-intensive or time-consuming, at least until the semester ends. I'm not sure what fits that description ... but if there is something, I'll find it.

John Mark, who has a wonderful story, already has over $300 in his grant fund, so my efforts will concentrate mostly on Constantine. But if you're interested in donating to John Mark, PLEASE don't hesitate to do so! He still has a long way to go before he's fully funded.

Both these boys are still so young ... they could truly flourish if they find families soon.




Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Under Construction

I'm trying to get this blog ready to "go live", but I still need to tweak a few things and redo some other sections altogether. I really wanted to use dynamic view, but that's a fairly new template that doesn't support all the gadgets I need. (And spent a lot of time designing to my specifications.) Hopefully I'll get to upgrade to that view sometime in the future.

In the meantime, there's tons of work to do. I also hope to have a fundraiser underway soon. At the same time, I have two midterms coming up, so I'll need to do what I can now and not let this project get shoved onto the back burner.

More to come!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Some good things

1. First, Constantine's RR page now has his Guardian Angel badge. That's us!

2. I joined the Reece's Rainbow Facebook group. It seems like a great resource. No one there seems too flustered by the halt in adoptions, so I'm trying to be positive about that aspect. This too shall pass.

3. Some of the people in the FB group seem to know a lot about Region 15, Constantine's region. A nice woman named Kelly posted that "he's not in my Charlotte's groupa, but he's in the same baby house. Mytischi. It is a good baby house. The director there, Olga, loves her children very much. He is in good hands." Yay!

Here is a rundown about Region 15 from the RR website:

- 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
- Open to Canadians, albeit with separate requirements

I won't comment on the cultural discrimination against the depressed, or the fact that a DWI is okay, or the heterosexual mothers deal. Not right now. I do find this frustrating, I must admit.

Yes, the cost is high compared to, say, Bulgaria. But don't let the price tag scare you; there are a million fundraising activities out there and scores of people who can help.

If the financial picture is frightening, why not consider Megan? She has nearly $24,000 in her grant fund, meaning nearly the entire price is funded. Please consider her if finances are the only thing standing in your way!

Megan (already transferred)









Tuesday, February 21, 2012