Xander's Story
On August 14th, 2002 Sang Won Park was born in Seoul
Korea. He was born with a condition, called Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH). ONH
occurs during pregnancy. The optic nerves do not develop fully, and are short.
Vision can range from nothing at all to almost normal. Also common with ONH
are issues with growth hormone, small stature, low muscle tone, nystagmus (uncontrollable
movement of the eyes) and developmental delays.
Sang Won was living in a rehabilitation center in Seoul,
Korea. He did have a foster mother for the first few months of his life, but
was not making much progress there, so he was moved into the rehab center.
In 2003, I, Theresa Maxson, found Park, Sang Won on
the website, rainbowkids.com. We were looking to adopt from Korea, since Corbin
who is 7, and Tyler who is 5, were both adopted from Korea. My husband and I
wanted to give one more little one, a loving home. We fell in love with Sang
Won's picture and story. Knowing that he was blind, and the risks involved,
my husband and I decided to adopt him. We were able to get some financial help
from A Child Waits Foundation and with the inheritance
my Grandmother gave me, we were able to bring him home.
On March 22, 2004, Sang Won Park arrived at O'Hare airport.
We were so excited to see him for the first time. He fit right in with our family
and his name became, Xander Jesse Sang Won Maxson.
When Xander arrived he was not walking yet, and would not feed himself. He had
issues with touching food, and wouldn't hold his cup. Within months I had him
eating cereal on his own, and holding a sippy cup. Thanks to physical therapy,
and some ankle supports, he was finally walking by 3 years old. He is now 3
½ and is moving all over the place!
Xander is legally blind. He can see some shape and form,
and knows if the light is on or off, we really can't tell how much detail he
does see. He has glasses which are to help his eyes with the nystagmus, but
he hates to wear them. Due to Xander's low muscle tone, he sees a Physical Therapist
(PT). He also sees an Occupational Therapist (OT) once a week, to work on fine
motor skills, and sensory issues. Recently we found out that he is having complex
partial seizures, and has started medication. Xander has many doctors. He sees
an Endocrinologist, for growth hormone issues every six months. He also has
a Pediatric Ophthalmologist that he sees every 3 months. Due to the seizures
he will now be monitored by a Pediatric Neurologist, along with regular visits
to his Pediatrician.
Xander goes to school 4 days a week. He is in the Early
Childhood Program, in Oswego, Illinois District 308. Xander has a great teacher
and aide. He also works with his PT, OT, Speech Therapist, and Vision Itinerant
at school every week. He is very busy for a little guy.
Xander is a true blessing, we are so happy to have him
as a part of our family! His health issues are minimal in comparison to the
joy he brings us. He has a contagious laugh, and loves to dance and listen to
music. We couldn't be happier! We want to thank you for helping bring Xander
to our home!
All three of our boys are a true joy! All three were
"waiting children" and I wouldn't trade the experience of having them
for anything! I hope that more organizations, like yours, come forth to help
people open their hearts and homes to these waiting kids.
Thanks again, for helping our family grow!
Scott, Theresa, Corbin, Tyler and Xander Maxson