Calling All Prayer Warriors!

Baby Stellan, aka "MckMuffin", aka "MckMiracle", has been taken to the E.R. after a recent illness quickly progressed until he was turning blue.

On Tuesday morning, Dennis Reed was taken to the E.R. by ambulance, bleeding profusely from his mouth, losing five or six large clots, on top of an on-going fever. All the kids pulled together when they heard Christine shout, "Call 911!", and four hours later Dennis was released home. While Dennis was at the hospital, a neighbor came over and cleaned the pools of blood for the family and watched the kids. Dennis was very clingy after coming home, and continued to loose clots from his incision site. On Friday he had his palette checked by the surgeon, who said it was not infected, but put him on antibiotics just in case. They found out that Dennis had only lost half a pound since his surgery. There was an extra flap of tissue, though, that may need to be removed in a future surgery.

On Friday, CDH baby Olivia's sats droped to the 40s and her heart rate went down significantly. She was first extubated and then re-intubated with a larger tube. After that they bagged her which did not work, then moved her back to the oscillatory vent which inflates and holds the lungs open, which did not work either. Then a drainage tube was inserted into her lungs, and they got quite a lot of fluid out. Finally she started to respond, but with her oxygen being so low for so long, it's very likely it caused damage to the brain, but how much they can not yet tell.

Baby Kayleigh, CDH warrior's parents were recently told Kayleigh's time on earth was coming to an end. But Kayleigh decided otherwise. They now have a plan of action, but it's certainly not going to be an easy road, nor one with a guaranteed survival. Please keep this PICU Princess in your prayers!

On the 17th, CDH & Situs Inversus (Heterotaxi) warrior Veiyah had her worst episode yet. The nurse came in to do her blood draw and Veiyah got so upset that her oxygen saturation went down to below 50 (normally for her, should be 70's and up) and her heart rate dropped from 130 bpm to 30 (thirty) bpm. The nurse started to balloon air into her breathing tube, but when her heart continued to slow, chest compressions had to be started as well. A minute later she still wasn't improving, and the nurse called for help, and everyone ran in and attempted to revive her, while her mother yelled for her baby girl to come back, to not leave her, too, like Veiyah's twin sister Aderah did while still in the womb. Finally she calmed down, and her sats rose. Miraculously, just one day later, Veiyah was able to be extubated. And though she was still in the PICU on Christmas, that is fine for Veiyah's family. After all, Veiyah is alive and fighting, and that is the best present they could have asked for.

8 year old Eden Adams has been battling Stage IV Neuroblastoma for four years, and as of right now, it is no longer a matter of how to beat the cancer, it is a matter of keeping her as comfortable as possible, and praying. Praying for Eden, whatever the outcome may be- whether a life saving miracle, whether a peaceful passing...Princess Eden needs all the prayers she could get!

Okay, I'm sure I'm forgetting a few kids, but this should keep you busy for a bit!

~Alex

Getting some poetry off my chest

I've had these poems running though my head, and it's time I write them down!

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Baby, hold on to your smile,
I know you're tired
But hold on to your smile
I know it's been awhile
Since things felt okay
And it's hard every day,
But hold on to your smile

'Cause it's no fun being sad,
Not fun being mad,
Even though things are bad,
Hold on to your smile

It hurts to see you hurting

You don't have to be strong
Like you've been all along
It's okay to cry
I bet you've wondered some why's
And I'd be angry, too
If I were you,
But we want you to be happy
We'd do anything
...Oh, baby... please...

Just hold on to your smile

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How can you go along
When they're just hanging on
How can you sit there
Whilst horrors they bare
How can you know
When they've no where to go
And go along
As they try to be strong

How can you do nothing
While the children are suffering?

Note- In the line "When they've nowhere to go" I'm not referring to a physical shelter, but a refuge so to speak, an escape from what they're going through.

Note Note- When writing the first poem, there were two children I had in mind, both fighting cancer, with extremely grim prognoses. They've been so strong through it all, but now, losing the ability to walk, to play, constantly on pain medications making them lethargic, they're having a hard time holding on to their smiles. Every day has become just another day...a repeat of the same emotional pain, and they've reached the stage that they seem to somehow realize that they're not getting better, and they're just so tired of fighting. I don't want to post these children's names here, but please keep them in your prayers...these are children who are normally happy, goofy kids with a love for life, whose spark has left their eyes...please, please pray they can get it back! To be dying is enough without feeling sad, hopeless, and alone. I can email you their web links if you would like, but I just don't feel right putting their names here.

Note Note Note- Yes, I'm aware that I use bold and italics way too much.

Reece's Rainbow // Pray for Kayleigh // I haven't fogotten you!

This is a double triple post =)

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Pray for Kayleigh!
Kayleigh was born prematurely at one pound. She is now over five pounds, but one struggle after another, it appears her little life is coming to an end. Nothing is impossible with God, but the family is having to prepare for the worst, and in need of prayers, as well as those for little Kayleigh. Click the button below to visit Kayleigh's update blog

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Reece's Rainbow

"Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act" -Proverbs 24:12



Will you give the gift of a family to an orphan with Down Syndrome?

Reece's Rainbow is a registered 501(c) non-profit ministry helping families to adopt children with Down's syndrome from around the world, where without your help, they will suffer unimaginably and, in most cases, die at a very young age. Please, don't look the other way. I'm not going to tell you to donate all you have, or even a fraction of it- just please, read this, and pass it along. And if you are able, consider a donation; a few dollars can save these children's lives and give them the love they so deserve, and the chance to truly bloom. And yes, all donations are tax deductible!

"For those of you who are new to our ministry, Reece's Rainbow promotes the international adoption of children with Down syndrome. 120 children with Down syndrome and other special needs have found adoptive families in only 2 years!! Donations from private individuals, businesses, and other charitable foundations have made it possible to provide adoption grants for nearly every child, meaning families have had the financial support they need to make a commitment. They have been able to rescue one or more of these precious children from orphanages and mental institutions around the world."


The Angel Tree

"Our Christmas Angel Tree Project is our #1 fundraiser for the year. This is the only time when ALL of our waiting children with Down syndrome are openly visible and eligible for grant donations. By sponsoring a child today, you get to share in the joy of uniting families with very deserving children. The average cost of an international adoption is $25,000, so every penny we are able to raise can literally change the course of a child's life! And remember, 100% of your tax deductible donation goes directly to your sponsored child. Reece's Rainbow covers the cost of Paypal fees, shipping, printing, etc. (donations to our Raising Awareness fund are always welcome to help support these costs.)

With your sponsorship gift of $35 or more (per child), donors will receive a beautiful porcelain ornament, with your sponsored child's photo on the back, to hang on your Christmas Tree! Even if you are not Christian, you can still make a tremendous difference in the life of one or more of these children. If you prefer to NOT have an ornament sent to you, just let us know. The Angel Tree is a very meaningful and personal Christmas gift donation opportunity. We will send the ornament, along with a beautiful gift card, announcing your gift to the intended recipient. These are great gifts for your friends, family, teachers, therapists, etc! International sponsors are welcome as well!

We invite you to browse the profiles of our families who are already home with their children, and those who are in various stages of the international adoption process. We are so excited about the remarkable success this ministry has already enjoyed (120+ children with Down syndrome and other special needs have found their families in only two years), and the MIRACLE that grant donations from this Angel Tree Project will mean for each of these beautiful children!

Please visit our Waiting Christmas Angels Gallery and sponsor one or more of our orphaned children with Down syndrome today!"

Forward this announcement to everyone you know, and share this special opportunity to really make a difference in the life of a child with Down syndrome!

Any questions can be directed to Andrea Roberts at bamaroberts@comcast.net All donations are tax deductible, and 100% of your gift goes to your sponsored child!

God bless each of you this Christmas, whether you are Christian or of another faith. The need transcends faiths, ethnicity, geographic borders. Thank you for your continued advocacy and support for this ministry, and for sharing this opportunity with everyone you know!"


Did You Know

In Central and Eastern European countries alone (this would include Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Romania, etc, but NOT Russia), 1.5 MILLION CHILDREN who have been abandoned by their families for one reason or another and are living in "public care" (that's the nice way to put it). If statistically, 1 out of every 733 live births results in a child with Down syndrome, that means at any given time there are 2,046 children with Down syndrome who need families. THAT'S JUST IN EUROPE!! Some do not survive because of serious medical complications...some do not survive because of lack of medical attention, lack of food, lack of LOVE.

In Russia, there are over 700,000 children waiting for families, meaning at least 955 children with Down syndrome wait, languishing. In ASIA (China, Hong Kong, Korea, India), there are 3,572,000 orphans, with nearly 5000 children with Down syndrome who are unwanted. Many of those children are killed at birth. The "lucky" ones end up in orphanages and foster care situations.

In the United States alone, 137 million people claim to be Christians of some denomination. If only 1% of the Christians in this country adopted just ONE CHILD, 1.37 MILLION CHILDREN from abroad would have loving, Christian families to grow up in. Of those 1.37 million, 1,869 of those children have DOWN SYNDROME.

Typically, children are sent to the mental institutions at the age of 4, so we are in a frantic race against time to earn grant donations and find adoptive families for them before their time runs out. Although they can still be adopted once they are transferred, we work really hard to prevent that from ever happening.
Please be sure to take note of their birth-dates, so you know when they turn four. Pray for them and think of them on these days. When other children are celebrating with parties and presents and looking forward to preschool, these children have no idea the horrors that await them when they turn 4. After an orphan has been sent away to the institution, after they turn about 4, their chances of finding a family decrease exponentially, and most of them will suffer every day, until the day they die. Some of them have already turned four, and by a miracle of God, have not been transferred yet. These children truly are living on borrowed time.. Please help us save these children! Look how many have already been saved, and are living healthy, happy, productive lives with their families!

Your donations can truly mean the difference between life and death for these little ones. The high cost of international adoption is the number one factor that keeps families from committing. Your "gift of a family" makes it possible for adoptive families to rescue these very deserving angels.

Recently many specials have been done involving mental institutions across the globe- headlines such as "modern day concentration camps" have been used to describe the situations, and they're not far off, either. These children have amazing potential. Everyday in America people with Down Syndrome are getting jobs, driving cars, owning homes, having families. These children are human beings, living in conditions people would shudder at if animals were living in them. I've been told that 80% of the children sent to the institution die within the first year of being there. Here are a few links that give a look into a life in an institution, one which these children will face soon if you don't step in and help them.
Bulgaria's Abandoned Children (highly reccomended)
Serbia's Horrific Institutions a Relic of the Past
Warehouses of Neglect
Orphan's "Near Death" in Romania
Neglect of Serbia's Disabled Revealed


Look at These Faces

Is God speaking to you?

Are you the person meant to help one of these children in a way big or small?

Are you meant to be a child's "forever family"?

These are just a few of the 150+ precious children waiting to find their forever family. They're waiting for you.


http://ReecesRainbow.org

If you would like, you can post these banners on your myspace, facebook, blog, or other web page to help raise awareness for Reece's Rainbow. Hey, you could even make it your myspace default image! It's my goal to see one of these buttons on every one of my friends' pages. Are you up for the challenge?


Grab This Button


Grab This Button


Grab This Button


Grab This Button


Grab This Button

Please note that this bulletin message is a compilation of information from the Reece's Rainbow site and other resources. Reece's Rainbow is not responsible for any potential false information/etc. This bulletin has information taken from the Reece's Rainbow site, but is not wholly from Reece's Rainbow, Andrea Roberts, or any affiliates, and being so, is not endorsed by them. Thank you

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I haven't forgotten you!

To my readers, and to whom I am a read-ee, I have not forgotten you! I've not been keeping up with everyone religiously as I once did, but I am still reading. I've found, though, that my blogger experience has been more enjoyable since I've been reading everyone's blogs as I get to it, as I feel like it, no pressure. I love reading all your blogs, trust me, I do, but taking more "me time" has felt really good and helped me enjoy your blogs all the more.
I've also been commenting less. Sorry about that

Two Years Ago - A Poem for Mia

Two years ago today
A life was changed
A precious little girl
Entered a new world-
A world of doctors
A world of pain;
Mia's life would ne'er be the same.

For two years ago
She contracted Meningitis,
Which spread to her brain
And caused Encephalitis.

Now warrior Mia
Was in a great fight!
But she never gave up
Not a day, not a night

And though the battle was hard
And the odds were frightening,
With the love of her family
Her health was brightening.

Mia's battle isn't over,
She fights everyday
Against seizures and brain damage
But she'll find a way!

Her smiles light the room
And her sweet, happy ways
Give hope to those who love her
And get them through each day.

Mia has seizures
And she's working on walking
Her eyes speak for her
Though she's not yet talking

A precious princess
Lights up our lives
And constantly makes progress
With her courage and drive

We love you, Mia,
From your head to your toes
Your soft little curls
And your button nose

Two years ago
Your life did change
But we'll fight by your side
Forever and always

DIPG Treatments & More

I'm extremely shaken over Ella's passing, and needed to do something constructive.

It is a common misconception that there is nothing that can be done for a DIPG patient, and it is simply not true. Here are some treatments out there for DIPG patients*-

~Chemo & Radiation can prolong the life of a child with DIPG and to an extent, shrink the tumor
~Antineoplaston treatment @ the Burzynski Clinic in TX
http://www.burzynskiclinic.com/ - http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00003458?term=antineoplaston&rank=12 - 6 DIPG children have been confirmed cancer free for at least 5 years
~Envita
http://envita.com/ - In many DIPG patients, envita improved quality of life and extended their lives
~Nimotuzumab
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00600054?term=NCT00600054&rank=1 - http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00600054?term=diffuse+AND+pontine+glioma&rank=1

To my understanding, antineoplaston treatment & envita are not covered by any insurance companies, though they seem to be getting results and have very minimal side effects

*Please note that I cannot guarantee the accuracy (or lack there of) listed here.

I'm shocked...so shocked....

This is so inhuman, so sickening...not for the fainthearted--- it will make your life look completely perfect when compared to the lives of these precious, innocent people.

CLICK HERE to WATCH

"Serbia's horrific institutions a relic of the past
Mentally disabled kids, adults given no hope for recovery, poor treatment
By Ann Curry

NBC News
updated 7:18 p.m. MT, Fri., Aug. 29, 2008

BELGRADE, Serbia - A generation ago, mentally disabled people were often quietly sent away to bleak government institutions, left to live out their days on the isolated fringes of society
But the scenes you are watching are not from that era, they're playing out now, day after day, halfway across the world.
Children and adults given up by their families. Languishing behind crumbling walls and rusted bars.

CLICK HERE to WATCH

Passed into law today (DS Awareness)...

Thank you for letting me know this...I am so happy to hear about this new law!

This is a must read from a fellow blogger, Embracing Life as Household 6

Click Here to read!

Lots of love,
Alex

Tomorrow Warrior Jeremy Turns One!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEREMY!!!
MySpace.com/Pray4Jeremy

Jeremy... God has a plan for you, I know

But we can't understand it, we love you so
Such a little angel, so small, so sweet
Ten fingers on your hands, ten toes on your feet
But why you had to be born with cancer growing inside,
We just cannot fathom, we want to know why
Why YOU Jeremy, must suffer this fate
You're our little hero, your enemies great.
Oh God above, we need you now
I don't know what to say, I don't know how
To tell you what I mean to say,
Help me Lord, what do I pray?
Whatever your will, we don't understand!
Comfort us Lord, hold us in Your hands-
Oh Jesus, we need You, to get through this
We love him so much, why must this cancer exist?!
We know that Your Will is perfect and just,
but God, we love him! We love him so much!
What about pre-school, and painting, and fun?
Why my Jeremy, why my son?
Jesus did know wrong but He suffered the cross,
you understand my pain, you know loss,
So please Lord, help me this I pray...
Help us, guide us, show us the way
And if he leaves for Heaven above,
Please let my baby see how much he's loved.

By: Me!

Please, please, please visit Jeremy's site and listen to his story HERE He is fighting a brain tumor of unknown type that, according to doctors, should have killed him long ago. Every day, hour, minute, and second is a miracle! Jeremy hasn't given up yet so neither are we! We love you baby J!!!


A prayer for today (by me):

So many things we don't understand, and our faith needs a helping hand. So here today we ask, we pray...comfort us, help us through the day. Amen

Beaten, Raped, Murdered...at 5 months. The story of Brianna Lopez...just one of the FOUR children who die EVERY DAY of child abuse...please read on...

Before I go on, let me warn you that this is extremely graphic. If you are squeemish, stop now. If you don't want to bawl your eyes out*, stop now. If you are willing to face this harsh reality in order to help the children of the world, read on

*Some have reported crying up to 3 days as well as not being able to eat in rare cases. This is just the reality of how bad the problem of child abuse is. To stay safe, I'll say the following- ***Read at your own risk***

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I Only Lived Five Months
The Life and Death of Brianna Lopez
By Alexandra Mikaela

I only lived five months.
I'm glad it wasn't more
My Daddy threw me to the ceiling
And let me hit the floor

I only lived five months.
And it hurt oh so bad!
Mommy bit me again and again!
I was raped by Uncle and Dad!

I only lived five months.
I thought this pain was love
It turns out that pain
Was the thing I wasn't deprived of!

I only lived five months.
My organs were badly hurt
From the things Daddy stuck into me
Uncle only made it worse!

I only lived five months.
Oh the horrors I was feeling!
Head to toe, broken, bruised and bitten
"In multiple stages of healing."

I only lived five months.
Mommy said she didn't know
What was going on, when all along
She was hurting me, and God knows!

I only lived five months.
No moment did I not suffer
I thought being "preemie" was rough
But my life got tougher and tougher!

I only lived five months
PLEASE report abuse!
My aunt and grandma knew
There was so much they could do!

I only lived five months
This is no fabrication
My name is Brianna Lopez
Let my death- and life - be your motivation

If you suspect child abuse or neglect, PLEASE report it! Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves!

(c) Alexandra Mikaela
Awareness Angels 2008
All rights reserved

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You told the court you loved me.
Children are amazingly loving. Brianna loved you, and you killed her. Why?
By Alexandra Mikaela

I only lived five months
Five horrible, painful, months!
If I could only tell you all that happened to me!
If only I could make you see!
But I don't want to think about it any more-
Five months was quite enough!

By all odds I shouldn't have made it long,
But five whole months I stayed strong!
Mommy, Daddy, Uncle, too
You hurt me, but I still love you.

You told the court you loved me.

Did you, love me?
Do you miss me at all?
Why did you throw me so high?
Why did you let me fall?
Why did you hurt my insides, And do stuff that was bad?
What did I do to make you so mad?

It's your baby, Brianna!
Can you hear your daughter? It's me!
Within your mind are there memories
Of what you did to me?

You told the court you loved me...


(c) Alexandra Mikaela
Awareness Angels 2008
All rights reserved

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Brianna Lopez was born premature on St Valentine's Day, 2002, and died five horrible months later, on July 19th, 2002. She resided in a three bedroom mobile home, with 6 adults, including mother Stephanie Lopez, father Andy Walters, and two children, Brianna's 18 month old brother, and 8 year old uncle, in Los Cruses New Mexico.

She was literally bruised head to toe... Her little feet were black and blue, and through her thin hair you could see the huge, purple bruises on her head. Her little brain had bled many times, as well as having multiple fractures to the skull, both legs, at least two ribs, a torn anus, and more. She was bitten, she was raped. She was thrown to the ceiling and left to fall. She was shaken, and had not a single picture of her living. The only photos of her were taken right before her autopsy, with bruises covered by computer software. Even in death she is hidden away.

The community came together, raising money for a proper burial and headstone, but the family quickly and privately buried her little beaten body, excluding many family members. For a time her "family" refused to put up a headstone, unassumingly so people could not leave flowers or pay their respects. One later appeared, only to be removed again. Then, it returned, but a cage was added to keep people from leaving flowers and gifts. Inside, there is an unkept, unclean, garbage infested resting place, for a little girl unloved in life, who no matter what the family tries to do, will be loved, even if only in death.

Inside the cage sits a cherub statue, pointer finger gently pressed to her lips. She sits there, her cause debatable. But no matter what that cherub signals, do not keep silent. Speak out against abuse. If you see signs of abuse or neglect, report it. You could save a child's life. Little Brianna has enough playmates who were lost to abuse. She needs no more. Don't be afraid! No matter how affraid you are, little Brianna and so many children like her, were even more afraid...that you wouldn't help them.

(c) Alexandra Mikaela
Awareness Angels 2008
All rights reserved

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Some notes on the so called "parents" from across the net, by people who have met the parents (please note that I am not responsible for the truth or lack-there-of in these. These are just what others who claim to know her have said)-

"I WAS SENTENCED TO PRISON AND MET STEPHANIE AND SHE HAS NO REMORSE FOR WHAT SHE HAS DONE. I WAS THERE FOR 18 MONTHS WITH HER AND NOT ONCE DID SHE EVER REGRET ANYTHING. SHE STILL WRITES BRIANNAS FATHER IF YOU CAN CALL THE ANIMAL THAT AND ALSO HER BROTHER. ALSO LET ME LET YOU GUYS IN ON SOMETHING SHE IS NOT IN SEGREGATION SHE WALKS AROUND THE PRISON WITH A SMILE ON HER FACE AND IS JUST AS HAPPY GO LUCKY AS CAN BE."

"I just wanted to say that I went to school with all 3 of these people. Andy was in a couple of my classes and he was a punk, even back then. He is a small guy who would never have the balls to try and stand up to someone his own size."

"My daughter is burried a few plots down and is the only baby who has a headstone. We inquired to the grounds keeper if the cage was to be removed any time soon and he advised us there are no plans to have it removed."

"I been to the Prison those guys are in and they are locked down 23 hours which isn't enough!"

"I was the first officer on scene. To this day, I will never forget the look on the baby’s face when the paramedics were loading her into the ambulance. Such a beautiful little baby with half closed eyelids. The horrors I learned about what that helpless little child endured, still haunts me to this day as I think about what challenges I that I am currently enduring; nothing comes close or compares to what this little baby must have gone through. What you have read in the papers is only a fraction of what can’t be put on paper or revealed to the public, what this little baby girl went through!! In 15 years in law enforcement, never have I ever, ever heard of such horror and autrocity done to such a small innocent child!"

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Brianna Lopez's Family Tree
Going through articles regarding Brianna Lopez, her death, and the trials that followed, I quickly became confused with the (physical) structure of Brianna's "family". After I sorted through it, I made a "family tree" of sorts to help anyone else out who's having this problem. If anyone has anymore detail regarding this or corrections, feel free to let me know!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn83/cre8iv3cre8ionz/briannalopezsfamilytree.png to enlarge)


(c) Alexandra Mikaela
Awareness Angels 2008
All rights reserved

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Brianna's Video
Please watch!

(by KRQE News 13, Brianna's story, interviews with investigators and more...a great video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkSN65cJKOE

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The Facts on Child Abuse and Neglect in the United States

• FOUR children die of child abuse EVERY DAY day in the United States
• A report of child abuse occurs every ten seconds, though with the 3 million cases reported a year, some experts estimate the actual child abuse rates are up to 3 times more
• Of the reported rapes of children under 12, 90% of the victims knew the perpetrator
• Child abuse happens in ALL races, all ALL religions, ALL incomes, and both young and old, male and female
  
• Children ages 0-3 are the most likely to experience abuse.
  
• About 1 in 50 U.S. infants are victims of nonfatal child abuse or neglect in a year, according to the first national study of the problem in that age group done by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention along with The Federal Administration for Children and Families.
• 79% of the children killed are younger than 4.
• In 2003, there were 906,000 child abuse convictionsResources- childhelp.org,

The Aftermath of Child Abuse

• 36.7% of women and 14.4% of men in prison were abused as children
• Childhood sexual abuse victims are 2.5 times more likely to abuse alchohol and 3.8 times more likely to become addicted to drugs
• One-third of abused/neglected children will go on to abuse/neglect their own children
• 80% of young adults who had been abused met the diagnostic criteria for at least 1 psychiatric disorder at the age of 21 (including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, & post-traumatic stress syndrome/disorder)
• Abused children are 25% more likely to experience teen pregnancy
• Children who experience child abuse & neglect are 59% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile, 28% more likely to be arrested as an adult, and 30% more likely to commit violent crime.
• Nearly 2/3’s of the people in treatment for drug abuse reported being abused as children
• Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect

What is Child Abuse?

(Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_abuse, with some minor notes from me here and there)

Child abuse is the physical, psychological, or sexual maltreatment of children. While most child abuse happens in the child's home, a significant portion also occurs in organizations involving children, such as churches, schools, child care businesses, and residential schools.
There are four major categories of child abuse: neglect, physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. There are different subcategories within each type of abuse. Since there are many forms of abuse and neglect, many governments have developed their own legal definition of what constitutes child maltreatment for the purposes of removing a child and/or prosecuting a criminal charge. In the United States, the Federal Government puts out a full definition of child abuse and neglect and creates a summary of each State definition.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines child maltreatment as any act or series of acts or commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child. Examples of acts of commission include physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. Examples of acts of omission include failure to provide (physical, emotional, medical/dental, or educational neglect) or failure to supervise (inadequate supervision, or exposure to violent environments.)
Neglect has three different categories: physical, educational, and emotional. An example of physical neglect would be the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, or hygiene. An example of emotional neglect would be inadequate nurturing or affection.
Physical abuse may include striking, burning, shaking, pinching, or pulling hair or ear.
Child Sexual Abuse is said to include penetration, fondling, violations of privacy, exposure of children to adult sexuality and rape Psychological or Emotional abuse includes verbal abuse, withholding affection, extreme punishment and corruption, ignoring, rejecting, terrorizing, and isolating. It may also entail the abuser minimizing, or "downplaying" the severity of abuse along with the act of invalidation. Invalidation is to reject, ignore, mock, tease, judge, or diminish someone's feelings. [Consciously or subconsciously] it is an attempt to control how they feel and for how long they feel it.
According to the (American) National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, in 1997 neglect represented 54% of confirmed cases of child abuse, physical abuse 22%, sexual abuse 8%, emotional maltreatment 4%, and other forms of maltreatment 12%. 30% of children are threatened.
According to a recent UNICEF report on child well-being in the United States and the United Kingdom ranked lowest among first world nations with respect to the well being of their children. This study also found that child neglect and child abuse are far more common in single-parent families than in families where both parents are present.

How to Identify Child Abuse

Physical Indicators
Unexplained bruises and welts on the face, throat, upper arms, buttocks, thighs or lower back in unusual patterns or shapes which suggests the use of an instrument (belt buckle, electric cord) on an infant in various stages of healing regularly appear after absence, weekend, or vacation
Unexplained burns cigarette burns, especially found on palms, soles of feet, abdomen, buttocks immersion burns producing "stocking" or "Glove" demarcations on hands and feet; "doughnut shaped" on buttocks or genital area rope burns infected burns indicating delay in treatment burns in the shape of common household utensils or appliances
Behavioral Indicators behavioral extremes (withdrawal, aggression, regression, depression) inappropriate or excessive fear of parent or caretaker antisocial behavior such as substance abuse, truancy, running away fear of going home unbelievable or inconsistent explanation for injuries lies unusually still while surveying surroundings (for infants) unusual shyness, wariness of physical contact

Signs of Sexual Abuse
Physical Indicators
Torn, stained or bloody underclothes frequent, unexplained sore throats, yeast or urinary infections
somatic complaints, including pain and irritation of the genitals sexually transmitted diseases
bruises or bleeding from external genitalia, vagina or anal region pregnancy
Behavioral Indicators
the victim's disclosure of sexual abuse
regressive behaviors (thumb-sucking, bedwetting, fear of the dark)
promiscuity or seductive behaviors
disturbed sleep patterns (recurrent nightmares)
unusual and age-inappropriate interest in sexual matters
avoidance of undressing or wearing extra layers of clothes
sudden decline in school performance, truancy difficulty in walking or sitting

Signs of Emotional Abuse
Physical Indicators eating disorders, including obesity or anorexia
speech disorders (stuttering, stammering)
developmental delays in the acquisition of speech or motor skills
weight or height level substantially below norm
flat or bald spots on head (infants)
nervous disorders (rashes, hives, facial tics, stomach aches)
Behavioral Indicators
habit disorders (biting, rocking, head-banging)
cruel behavior, seeming to get pleasure from hurting children, adults or animals; seeming to get pleasure from being mistreated
age-inappropriate behaviors (bedwetting, wetting, soiling)
behavioral extremes; overly compliant-demanding; withdrawn-aggressive; listless-excitable

Signs of Neglect

Physical Indicators
poor hygiene, including lice, scabies, severe or untreated diaper rash, bedsores, body odor
squinting unsuitable clothing; missing key articles of clothing (underwear, socks shoes); overdressed or under dressed for climate conditions
untreated injury or illness lack of immunizations indicators or prolonged exposure to elements (excessive sunburn, insect bites, colds)
height and weight significantly below age level
Behavioral Indicators unusual school attendance
chronic absenteeism
chronic hunger, tiredness, or lethargy
begging or collecting leftovers
assuming adult responsibilities
reporting no caretaker at home

It is not necessary that you decide if a child is abused or neglected. Child abuse and neglect are not always easy to identify. For example, bruises may or may not have been caused by abuse. A child coming to school with head lice or dirty clothes may or may not be due to neglect. Yet, hundreds of people across the country are charged with the duty to be aware of the children they see and work with daily, and to report suspicions of child abuse, neglect, or dependency. Your interaction with so many children, your professional training regarding child development, and your innate sense of a child's well-being, gives you the ability and responsibility to protect children from abuse and neglect. Recognizing a child in need of protection goes beyond the legal definitions of abuse, neglect and dependency.
It is an accumulation of everything you know and sense about a child or a situation. Recognition does not always come about in a concrete way. It can be an inner voice that tells you that something is just not right. That's when you should call Children's Services.You do not have to investigate to make sure your referral is valid, or that it complies with legal definitions. When you suspect a child's welfare is jeopardized, and make a referral to Children Services, you help us identify the potential need for our services. Your feeling that something just isn't right with a child is sufficient to warrant your call to Child Protective Services. The agency, then, uses the investigative and legal process to manage your referral and possibly open a case.

Disipline vs Abuse

Whether you agree or do not agree in spanking, always follow these guidelines.

I will not tell you if it is right or wrong to spank, but I will tell you this...

If you spank your children, ask yourself these questions before doing so.

~Am I calm? Can I talk without screaming? Can I think clearly?
~Have I tried other non-physical methods before this?
~Have I let my child calm down enough to talk to him/her? Have I listened to his/her side of the story?
~Does my child know why he/she's going to be spanked, or is it possible they might not understand and think it's because "you don't love them" (sounds dramatic, but it happens)
~Am I satisfying my anger by doing this, or am I doing what I believe is right for my child?
~Will the result be my child fearing me, or making them feel they cannot come to me and confess when they've done wrong?

Spanking should never leave damage on the child. Do not use a belt. If it's leaving bruises on your child or is making them fear you, or feel sexually violated, that is NOT a good thing and you need to sit down with the child and talk about this. Ask your child how it made them feel and see if you can make a plan for next time so it doesn't turn out that way again (ie, "If I count to ten, can you try calm yourself down and be in your time out spot when I get to ten? I'll do my best to listen to you, if you promise to listen to me. I want the best for you, because I love you, and I'm sorry if I've made some mistakes regarding discipline. Then after you're calmed down, and I'm calmed down, we can figure out what we should do to make sure this doesn't happen again.") and shoot out some ideas, and let them come up with some, too. You'd be surprised how often a kid will say "what if maybe I mop for you after my time out", and then of course you can add stuff like, "AFTER your time out, and you need to say sorry to *so-and-so*...and give mommy a big hug =)". And of course always make it clear that they are not a bad kid, that it's their behavior that's bad. Usually this works out...of course nothing works for everyone, but make sure none of these things result from it:

• Increased anxiety and fear
• Hinders the development of empathy and compassion for others
• Makes children angry in responseHeightens aggression toward othersDecreases compliance and increases resistance
• Harms relationship with parent or caregiver
• Decreases self-esteem
  
• Teaches that violence is an acceptable way to handle conflict

Some other guidelines are to:

Developing behavioral contracts and incentive charts are a great way to get your kid(s) excited about behaving well.

My brother and I used a "chip system". My mom bought poker chips, and we each got a certain color (so no one could say, "MMOOMM!!! STEVIE STOLE MY CHIPS!"), and made a chart. For each good dead, we would get a certain number of chips, depending on what it was. When we behaved badly, chips were taken away. When we earned a certain number of chips, we would get to do something special. One reward was to get to watch a movie of choice at the dollar theater. Another was to get to go to McDonalds the next time it was convenient. And of course there were smaller ones like 10-30 extra minutes before bedtime, dessert, a coloring book, an extra bed time story, or 5-10 minutes of "Mommy time" where we could go and have Mommy all to ourselves without any interruptions (given another adult was in the house for injuries of course!)

Something else I've come across is the "stressed parent hotline" which you can reach at (800) 421-0353



If you are afraid of reporting possible abuse because you may be wrong...
My mother was once accused of child neglect not long ago (it was a mix up...someone else in my family was supposed to be reported for neglect (*cough* my father against my disabled mother and thus affecting disabled me *cough*) and it really wasn't all that bad! I know sometimes that people are wrongly accused, but please don't let that stop you from reporting abuse. Yes, things should be done to help those who have been wrongly accused and as a result have had custody/visitation changed or had their child(ren) taken away completely, don't get me wrong, but more children are abused than are wrongly given to the state (at least to my knowledge). All I'm saying is that for me and my family, the guy came, talked to my mom, talked to me, talked to my brother, looked around the house, saw we were well fed and had no abuse-like injuries (LOL, I always have some injury!), took some notes, gave my mom some resources and tips, and randomly checked back a few times...it was surprisingly smooth, and I'd rather have that done than have been abused and had nothing done. And, yes, for those who want to challenge about abuse in foster homes, YES, I truly believe things need to be done about that (ACTUALLY, I will be posting a blog on that in the near future).

IT IS A CRIME TO KNOW A CHILD IS BEING ABUSED AND NOT REPORT IT!

If you would like more information on any of these subjects, please let me know and I will do what I can to help you. Please

Capturing Their Beauty

I doubt anyone will read this, being I just created this site, and that I haven't told anyone about this page yet, but I feel the need to post a few blogs I've posted recently on a few other sites. Bear with me if I bore you to death...someone, somewhere might find my life interesting though, so post I will!

September 4th, 2008

I do many types of computer graphics and image enhancements for ill children I've come across. It is a joy to be able to take precious memories and give them a physical treasure to cherish. They certainly deserve something as simple as a bit of my time, do they not?

So often I come across times where I must pick one picture to use in something. I find myself saying, "which picture captures their beauty?"
Though I can help pictures along, and help the inner beauty shine, but to capture what these children are...who they are...their spirit...their joy! How can anyone capture the wonder in their eyes? The joy they bring! The spirit within them telling them that it hurts, but God will make it okay...don't give up just yet!

Yes, they cry. They may try to kick their nurses. They may need to be bribed into taking their yucky medications at times. But you know what? When they are in the ICU, passed out, and by all science should be dead, you cannot deny they have a beautiful spirit with a will to live...to hold on...just a little longer...not ready to go just yet...

No matter how hard you try, what camera you use, or how much your photo editing program cost, it is impossible to capture the spirit of a warrior child.

Some children don't have an illness, but have this spirit...this amazing spirit, where you know every second that they are heaven sent. Like SBS angel MeKenna. The look in her eyes, her spirit, her wonder. Yes, I enhanced her photos, and made them more "vibrant". But you know what? Anyone who saw her, or knew her, knew she was special.

I love making memories into physical treasures, but one thing I will never be able to do, is capture their true beauty. These kids are my inspiration. And I challenge you...just look into their eyes. Can you dare say cures need not be found?



September 5th, 2008

Now. Today. Be a part of stopping it

We need to make more people aware of more missing children, more causes, more diseases... these children are our future, are they not? Come on people...forget all the celebrities and LISTEN, LEARN, and SPEAK OUT!!!

Please people...for Caylee, for Emily (missing), for MeKenna (SBS angel), for Kelsey (child abuse angel), for Talia (cancer angel), for Madison (CF fighter), for Eden (cancer fighter), for Austin (cancer survivor & CP fighter) for Mia (meningitis encephalitis survivor, seizure & temporal lobe warrior).

For Mila, for Kayla, for Destiny, for Hannah, for Jamie, for Brittany, for Mary, for Ariel, for Ian, for Isaac, for Isabella, for Avery, for Katie, for Diana, for Lily, for Ayla, for Chelsea, for Gavin, for Will, for Sasha, for Tyson, for Paytlee, for Emma, for Naythan, for Cloe, for Kasey, for Emma-leigh, for Hannah, for Kaeden, for September, for Avaiah, for Bethy, for Boey, for Landan, Landon, Briannon, Brooke, Kaylie, Melanie, Angelina, Riley, Camryn, Taylor, and for ALL the children who have went missing, who have been killed, who have been abused, who have been neglected, who have fought a disease or a syndrom, who have died from one. Aren't they worth it? I sure think they are!

Get the word out. Stop letting our kids die. Stop letting them suffer. Stop letting killers and psychos take our kids. Now. Today. Be a part of stopping it!