Xander

Today is the last day of the Angel Tree fundraiser. We've been working hard over the past two months to raise money for our chosen child, ten-year-old Xander in China. The goal of Angel Tree is to raise $1000 (or more) for each child featured on the tree. Xander's Angel Tree account is now at $1243.30, so we made it! Thank you to everyone who bought fudge, purchased Rabbit's thank-you cards, and collected spare change. We know that there are still people collecting change, and we ask that you continue to do so, as Xander's account (and those of many other children) can receive donations all year long.

The other goal of Angel Tree, that is only met for a very few children each year, is to find a family of their very own. This goal has not been met for Xander. So if you would bear with me, I'd like to tell you about Xander. This story is based on the known facts about Xander and knowledge of the societal norms in China. It is not necessarily a complete and accurate account of his life.

Sometime in March of 2005, a baby boy was born in China. At birth, he appeared to be a healthy baby boy, and his family celebrated. Sometime during his first days or weeks of life, his parents were told that their precious baby boy had Down Syndrome. This was devastating news. His parents were told by doctors, family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors that there was no hope for this child, that they should abandon him so he could be better cared for, and so that they could have a chance for another healthy child. His parents were pressured from all sides and agonized over their decision. And then they did something almost unheard-of - they chose to keep him. This cost them family support and friends, a sacrifice they made to care for their baby boy.

They cared for their baby, fed him, tucked him into bed at night. They saw his first steps, heard his first words, learned his personality, likes, and dislikes. They loved him.

Around the time he turned six years old, something changed. Other children his age were beginning to go off to school, an opportunity that was not open to a child with Down Syndrome. His parents were forced to face the reality that keeping him meant keeping him close and hidden forever, with no opportunities for him to attend school, have a job, or perhaps even access medical care when needed. They began to believe that he would be better off somewhere else, that perhaps he would have more opportunities for education and medical care, that he would have the chance to be adopted to another country. And so, after knowing their son for six years, they abandoned him.

At the time he was abandoned, the orphanage workers described him as active and sometimes naughty - probably his way of expressing his confusion and hurt over his abandonment. With time, he settled down and was described as obedient and independent in his self-care skills. He can say some words but does not express himself in full sentences. He is able to attend school, a privilege not given to all children with Down Syndrome in China.

His orphanage took the time and paid the expense to have his file prepared for adoption. He was given the advocacy name "Xander," and listed on waiting children sites. He waits for a new family.

By all accounts, Xander is doing well for a child of his age with Down Syndrome. He cares for himself independently, follows directions, and speaks. He just needs a family.

http://reecesrainbow.org/57909/xander

Angel Tree is not over until midnight tonight. Many children still need donations to get to their $1000 goal. Please consider blessing one of these children with a donation tonight. Even a donation of $1 helps. We all received many gifts over this Christmas season. Now think about giving a child a gift that increases their chances of having one of the greatest gifts imaginable - A FAMILY.

Angel Tree http://static.reecesrainbow.org/angeltree2015/