A New Beginning: Nataly’s Story

It's a new year...and for many of us, that signifies a fresh start. We see it as an opportunity to regain focus or make resolutions to improve our lives. Overall, the new year often represents a new beginning.

However, for orphaned and vulnerable children, new beginnings aren’t signified by the calendar year. These kids come from hard places, having experienced some type of trauma and loss. But because of you, more orphaned and vulnerable children around the world are finding new beginnings through the love of a family.

Thanks to you, kids like Nataly*, a baby girl from Chihuahua, Mexico, have hope for a future.

Nataly’s Story

Nataly was separated from her biological mother immediately after she was born. Her mother struggled with drug addiction, so authorities removed Nataly from her mother’s care while she was still in the hospital.

Because her mother used drugs while she was pregnant, Nataly was at risk for many different physical and developmental issues. Babies born after exposure to drugs are often addicted themselves and have to withdraw from the drugs in their system.

Thankfully, Nataly was born without withdrawal syndrome, but she certainly wasn’t out of the woods. She presented with some other health concerns, so she would need special, personalized care in addition to the love and attention all newborns require.

Nataly desperately needed a family. And because of you, she found one.

A NEW BEGINNING

When Nataly was 12 weeks old, authorities contacted our team in Chihuahua, and Nataly was welcomed into the loving arms of a family.

When Nataly first entered family care, it was clear she would need a lot of individual attention and care. Although she had not suffered withdrawal, her exposure to drugs had an impact in other ways.

At 12 weeks, most babies are beginning to interact with the world around them – babbling, smiling, and attempting to communicate. However, Nataly didn’t express herself in any way or display any emotion. She also didn’t cry or make sounds like babies her age typically do.

In addition, Nataly had trouble with feeding, and struggled to eat enough to get proper nutrition. She frequently became tired after only drinking a small amount from her bottle, and she appeared to have difficulty swallowing.

But thankfully, Nataly’s foster family was ready and willing to provide the individual care and attention she needed.

TURNING A CORNER 

Nataly’s foster family made sure she received the necessary professional medical treatment for her conditions. Her health began to improve, and she made great strides physically and developmentally. Through the love of this family, Nataly started to heal. 

Physically, Nataly was able to overcome her difficulty with eating. In fact, in the first two months with her foster family, she gained 3 pounds and grew 3 inches!

Nataly’s foster family also worked diligently to connect with her emotionally. As a result, Nataly began to bond with family members and started expressing emotion. Within the first few months, Nataly began making various sounds and crying when she was upset – both of which are extremely significant developmental milestones.

Today, Nataly babbles, smiles, and listens intently to anyone who speaks to her. Although her journey is far from over, this beautiful baby girl will grow up knowing the love of a family because of you.

Thank you for being Nataly’s hero and giving her the opportunity for a new beginning. And you are making a difference in the lives of kids like her all around the world! Thank you for helping orphaned and vulnerable children across the globe find loving families. We are so grateful for you.

Together, we are changing the way the world cares for orphans!

*Name has been changed to protect the privacy of the child.