We Interrupt this Program

For a blog on sweet Anton in Russia (who has EB like Raul, but unlike Raul, is available for adoption).

Here is his story from a friend/fellow advocate:

"During this week my friend from a non-profit foundation caring for orphans in Russia (www.otkazniki.ru) has told me a story about a baby boy abounded by his surrogate and biological parents in Russia. His name is Anton A. He was born on the 16th of January, 2010 from a surrogate mother hired through agency by a wealthy couple. Twins were born. Anton’s healthy brother was picked up by a nanny (sent by a private jet), but Anton was not so lucky… He was rejected and left in one of the Moscow hospitals. The personnel of the hospital did not know how to treat him because no one could diagnose his disease. Besides his symptoms he was underweight; he has also suffered multiple pneumonias and was bandaged with general application gauzes. Pain management was minimal. His doctor has admitted later that she does not understand how he survived during first months of his life.

But Anton is a fighter: despite it all he was alive when our curator has found him. He even smiled at every adult who would show him any affection. When we found him, he had never been outside of his room and did not see a single toy. The foundation called a pediatrician, recommended by Debra International, who diagnosed him with EB and we collected some money to hire a nurse (the hospital’s staffing is one nurse per twenty kids).

He cannot, however, stay in hospitals forever. After some time he must go back to the orphanage to which he is assigned. He will not survive the transition because no one could possibly change his bandages and treat his wounds the way it should be treated on the regular basis in any Russian orphanage. The only way for him to live is to find a loving family.

More about him: he is blond with green eyes and has a very calm and cheerful disposition. He was diagnosed with RDEB in Russia. He is a very curious little boy, very alert, but lucking attention… There was an article in the main Russian newspaper about Anton and we are planning a short video clip on the leading television channel in order to collect money for his future family. His web-page is almost complete and donations would be accepted. The financial side of the adoption and even a big portion of monthly medical fees will be covered by the foundation “Gift of Life” and by DEBRA. The adoption agencies representing Anton are doing their work pro-bono."

UPDATE: Anton spent a few months in a very nice hospital where he received care from a personal nanny, had toys for stimulation, and had proper wound care supplies. However, the organization helping him just found out that he will soon be moved back to his orphanage, where he likely will not survive. He has a site called helpanton.org where you can read more about him and donate as well. Anton is such a sweet little boy, who deserves a loving family! There is also a facebook group called "Help Anton" where you can read lots of updates from the past couple months. Anton is now listed on Reece's Rainbow, where they are collecting money to go towards an adoption grant for him!