CHINA :: ORPHAN UPDATE - Yin Xi, part 2

Please keep Yin Xi in your thoughts and prayers. We just found out that he was admitted to the ICU yesterday with meningitis. They suspect it is viral because the IV therapy that he received last week should have killed nearly anything. This complication will affect his surgery date. But it is certainly better to wait until he is 100% well before doing such an invasive procedure.

Also on our minds today are the 35 other babies and toddlers as well as their caregivers at Swallows Nest. The weather has already changed in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, and is much colder. The heat in the building is regulated by the city and the "turn on" date isn't for a few more weeks. So they bundle the babies up and use space heaters but it is still cold, thus increasing the chance for sickness and pneumonia.

CHINA :: ORPHAN UPDATE - Yin Xi

Little Yin Xi is now 5 weeks old and gaining much needed weight in preparation for his upcoming spina bifida surgery. Unfortunately, harsh winters can take a toll on these fragile children.

Since our last update, Yin Xi developed pneumonia and was admitted to the hospital on October 30th. He has since been released into the care of Swallows Nest where, under the doctor's direction, they administer his medications and give him the love and affection needed for his full recovery. Thankfully, all pre-surgical testing is complete and now we wait for his health to stabilize so we can proceed.

According to Swallows Nest, he is eating well again but cries alot and appears uncomfortable. He will be taken back to the hospital on Wednesday but his caregivers are unsure if he will be well enough to admit and receive the procedure. We will keep you updated on his health and progress.

To date, The Red Thread Promise has raised and sent $2,000 toward his surgery (total cost is $5,000). Although we have not yet reached the full amount, having given nearly half will help Swallows Nest in their efforts to secure additional funding. Every little bit counts.

In late October 2010, a post-surgical 18 month old from Swallows Nest was adopted. We are hopeful with this early intervention, Yin Xi will also be so fortunate. Next year we want to give you an update that he has gone to his forever family all because of your generosity - all because you cared about the health of a baby you will probably never meet.

We encourage you to prayerfully consider support Yin Xi by making a donation to The Red Thread Promise. Simply put "Yin Xi" or alternately "China baby" in the memo line of your check or PayPal.

CHINA :: The Spina Bifida Challenge

Lu Yuan, September, 2010

We are happy to share the latest photos of Lu Yuan from Swallow's Nest Children's Home in China. He is growing rapidly and developing well following the spina bifida surgery that The Red Thread Promise provided for him in fall of 2009.

As our chapter closes with Lu Yuan, a new chapter is revealed – another beautiful Chinese baby has grasped the red thread of destiny, bringing us together.

His name is Yin Xi (pronounced yin shi) and he is only 2 weeks old. He was brought to Swallows Nest Children's Home on September 30, 2010, weighs 4 kg and appears strong. He is a bit fussy and loud, which gives us hope that he is a fighter, a desirable trait in a child with this serious condition.

Yin Xi, September 28, 2010

Yin Xi also needs surgery to address his spina bifida, a birth defect where part of the spinal cord is outside the body in a sac. Spina bifida occurs at the end of the first month of pregnancy when the two sides of the embryo's spine fail to join together, leaving an open area. In some cases, the spinal cord or other membranes may push through this opening in the back. This condition ranges from little or no disability to full paralysis and inability to use the legs.

The surgery costs $5,000 USD. The Red Thread Promise has agreed to help provide this life-changing surgery for Yin Xi. Being in a better state of health is a gift that he will have for the rest of his life and will greatly increase his chances of being adopted.

Due to the fact that his sac is open and a source of infection, Swallows Nest would like to schedule the surgery in approximately 3 weeks. Thankfully, the caregivers at Swallows Nest have experience with spina bifida babies and we are confident in their ability to use universal precautions to prevent infection and other complications. In addition, they would like to get him to Shanghai for surgery before the cold weather sets in and there are increased chances of cold and flu which may result in pneumonia.

Our Challenge

In response to this short time frame, The Red Thread Promise will match up to $2,000 for any funds raised for Yin Xi between now and October 14th. That's two weeks to find others who share in our passion for the health of children who have no one to advocate for them.

If you would like to support Yin Xi and children like him, please click on the donate button on the right side or send a check to the address at the top. Please mark your donation spina bifida so we know which funds are being matched through the challenge.

Thank you for any support you are able to provide.