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Team Iris, last day to join!

Today is the very last day to donate to be a part of the #TeamIris for our Kisses from Katie give away.

I wanted to share a couple things that happened this week that made me think of little Iris, hidden away, and what a blessing she would be to a family of any size.

1.  “Mama, I put this in Finley and Elijah’s room so they don’t miss me when I’m at school” -Maria (Maria who is still sometimes blonde in drawings like mama)

2.  On the way to the zoo, Maria sat in back with the boys, she ticked Elijah who spilled over with giggles.  “Finley, Maria?  Finley?” Finley asked her hopefully, with his tiny toddler voice, looking at her with hopeful eyes.

“Ok buddy,” and ticked him, lighting up his whole face as he laughed with joy.

(Notice how all of these pictures of Finley are blurry, which gives you an idea….and also, notice how unfazed she is by any of it.  She just loves being a big sister, and the boys just love their Maria.)

The family that adopted Iris’s best friend specifically commented on the fact that they knew Iris would make a wonderful sister, and I believe it to be true.  Beautiful sister, wonderful daughter, sweet child who is in such need.

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I also wanted to address her HIV+ diagnosis.  Did you know that the adoption of children with hiv is on the rise?  There are greater levels of education about the virus, making families realize how doable it truly is.

Did you know that HIV is 100% preventable?  

Yep, it’s true!  Treatment is amazing now a days as well, in the US hiv can be treated so well, that their hiv becomes undetectable (seriously!)  People who are treated in this country can live long full lives.  (Sadly, this is not the case in many other countries, and truly sad things await those who age out of orphanges)

Check out this super cute video about hiv and the adoption of children with hiv.

(I want to be best friends with all of them, did you notice which children her hiv+?  No? 😉

Check out Project Hopeful, a website just for adoptive or prosepective adoptive parents of children with HIV.  It’s truly an amazing website with every sort of information.

There has never been one case in the US where hiv has been transmitted by normal family living and interactions.  So if your most recent education on the matter was in 8th grade health class, learn something new today, because an open mind could lead to an open heart, and an open heart could lead to saving a life, because the type of conditions and medical care we offer in this country aren’t offered in others.

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You CANNOT contract HIV from casual contact. HIV is not found in tears, sweat, snot, feces and urine. You don ’ t have to fear catching HIV through day to day activities with people who are HIV+. You are free to share plates, cups, utensils, food, toilets, towels, linens and other household items without risk of
 transmission. There has never been a case of accidental transmission in a normal household setting.
-Project Hopeful 
 
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PLEASE share, donate, get involved, help sweet Iris escape a life of institutionalization and loneliness, and allow her to grow, thrive, love and bless a family.
 
Share Iris’s video, picture anywhere.  Her family is out there, they just need to know about her.
In one word, how would you describe Iris?

(If you donate today, email me amy@tinygreenelephants.com so I can add you into the drawing, too!  Save a life, win a prize, etc etc all in a days, right? 😉

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  • godhasnoproblems March 1, 2013, 12:37 am

    Love seeing your kiddos so happy!

    And can’t wait to see Iris get home to a family of her own that will cherish her and where she’ll thrive, as well!

    Meet up for our swap soon? Emailing you a thought! 🙂

  • Julie Rakay March 2, 2013, 5:11 pm

    Amy, Tax refund came back and we just joined Team Iris. No problem about missing the book raffle–trying to get things out of the house and not accumulate any more stuff. It’s so great to see how all of your kids are doing. Too bad we don’t live in the SD area–I think Maria and Kaitlin would really get along. Here’s hoping that Iris’s family finds her soon!

    Julie

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