We are looking for a loving family for an adorable 7-month-old baby boy named Michael * who was born prematurely at 33+ weeks in October 2023. Michael was recently discharged from the hospital NICU and is currently cared for at a specialized children’s rehabilitation facility where he is receiving therapies until his adoptive family can be identified.
Michael is described as a “sweet” and “even-tempered” baby boy who loves to be held, cuddled and rocked. He is responsive to human touch, voices and sounds in his environment. He enjoys head rubs and responds with smiles and cooing sounds when soothed. When stimulated by music or sounds he moves his head from side to side. An alert baby, Michael enjoys tummy time, and holding his stuffed animals close. He has a strong grasp, explores with his fingers and enjoys his pacifier.
Michael was born with the following diagnoses:
– Kabuki Syndrome, a rare genetic condition where children typically have distinctive facial features, mild to moderate mental impairment and growth delays. Kabuki Syndrome can also affect other body systems, including the heart, intestines, kidneys, and skeleton. There are a broad range of developmental outcomes. Michael’s developmental delays are expected to be mild to moderate).
-Imperforate anal atresia stenosis
– Coarctation of aorta s/p (side/ post-operative treatment) repair
– Bicuspid aortic valve
– prematurity
– anterior laryngeal web without obstruction
– history of TACO (transfusion-associated circulatory overload)
– bilateral renal calyceal dilation with hydronephrosis
– Chronic Respiratory Failure
– Hydroureter Nephrosis
– Pulmonary Artery Hypertension
– UPJ Obstruction
– Mitral Stenosis
– Oral Feeding Difficulty
Michael is currently on oxygen and which may be necessary for up to two years of age.
Also, a G-tube was placed, and it is unknown at this time if the G-tube will be permanent or if he will be able to take solid food when he gets older.
Michael has scheduled follow up visits with specialists in Cardiology, Nephrology, Urology, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery and Ophthalmology in the weeks and months after hospital discharge. Some specialist visits will be ongoing as he develops.
We encourage families to speak with their pediatrician as to his care and anticipated needs as he grows.
ADOPTION PLAN:
Michael’ s parents have been by his side throughout his hospital stay and want the best life for him. They wish to make an adoption plan through Spence-Chapin’s Special Needs Adoption Program and are open to all qualified families. They would like to see him placed with a loving family who will provide the one-on-one attention and care he needs and deserves. His parents would like to have an open adoption which would include visits.
If you would like to be considered as a forever family through Spence-Chapin’s Domestic Special Needs Adoption Program, please submit our free Domestic Special Needs Adoption Pre-Application and upload a copy of your current home study (home visit completed within the past 12 months), conducted by a licensed adoption agency and upload a copy of you adoptive family profile. Families living anywhere in the United States are welcome to apply. We are unable to consider families that do not have a current home study, or a home study completed by an independent social worker.
*Name has been changed. In order to maximize the placement opportunities for Michael, his birth parent has authorized Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children to post this non-identifying description of him on the Waiting Children page of Spence-Chapin’s website.
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