Achondroplasia

Achondroplasia is a genetic disorder of bone growth that is evident at birth.  Affected individuals have arms and legs that are very short, while the torso is nearly normal size. Achondroplasia is the most common form of dwarfism. Reeces Rainbow have three little kids listed with this diagnosis.

The word achondroplasia is Greek and means "without cartilage formation," although individuals with achondroplasia do have cartilage. During fetal development and childhood, cartilage normally develops into bone, except in a few places, such as the nose and ears. In individuals with achondroplasia, something goes wrong during this process, especially in the long bones (such as those of the upper arms and thighs). The rate at which cartilage cells in the growth plates of the long bones turn into bone is slow, leading to short bones and reduced height. Individuals with achondroplasia usually have normal intelligence and a normal life span.

There is a strong supporting community for people with dwarfism; Little people of America.

This is Oliver.

He was born in March 2007, which makes him five years old. Sadly, most of those five years have been spent laying in a crib.He looks so very sad, my heart just breaks for him. Oliver is facing transfer to the institution VERY SOON, and will remain bedridden the rest of his life if he is not adopted. He does have a grant of $3500  towards the cost of his adoption. He really needs a family to give him the chance to live and blossom.

And this is Lauren.

Isn't she just a doll? Can you imagine  her running and playing with long hair and a pretty dress? Going to school, meet friends and learn? All that is possible, but for that to happen, she needs a family that will come for her, adopt her, believe in her an love her. She is in an institution, that used to be really bad, but tanks to organizations like Life 2 orphans, the conditions have improved some.A family that is there adopting right now, says that they see smiling and happy children. This of course is fantastic, but still a family would be a miracle for Lauren. In the country she lives, people with a disability like hers, are seen as a shame to the family :-(

Lauren was born  January  2002, and is 10 years old. Look at her beautiful smile, I bet she would smile even bigger if she found a family.This is her profile.She only ha $50 in her grant, so even if you are not in a position to adopt her, would you be willing to donate to her grant? And please spread the word about this little beauty.

And just recently little Temperance was listed.

She is in a different country than Oliver and Lauren. She is in a really good place right now, but that will all change as soon as she turns four. Most probably, she will be transferred to a mental institution. Please consider if  she could be part of your family? She is not yet one year old, and could lead a full and happy life if she was adopted.

Zeke and Moses also have different forms of dwarfism. Little people of America  offers lots of ideas on how to finanace an adoption, and they also offers grants to families adopting children with dwarfism. To learn more about this, go here.

Achondroplasia