Our Adoption
We adopted Joey and Maria from India in 2002. Joey has thalassemia major, and is transfusion dependent. He receives nightly infusion treatments at home, which he was unable to receive at the orphanage. This will expand his life-expectancy from 12 years old into his 40's. In India he didn't receive transfusions often enough and as a result he was always tired and sick. Here he is a perfectly normal little 7 year old, and is very active and healthy.
Maria is legally blind with corneal opacity (cloudy corneas) in both eyes. We are investigating corneal transplants, but the possibility of rejection is 50% at her age. However, if we wait, her brain will completely turn off the signal for vision. Both kids have adjusted quickly and bonded well. They are both very bright and wonderful additions to our family.
We felt they were a part of our family immediately! Both initial
experiences were extremely positive. Both children have integrated amazingly
well and fit in as if they were birth children. We have 3 bio children as well,
and they have accepted them truly.
Adoption has been a very positive thing in all of our lives.
Scott and Mary Segalla