Lutheran Family Services of Virginia

Meeting the teacher, going on field trips, sitting in a sharing circle are all parts of preschool. By late September, most four-year-olds are learning the ropes of preschool. But for Tammy, the biggest challenge is not getting ready for school, but getting ready for a new life.

Tammy came into the world prematurely, born to a drug-addicted mother who had not sought prenatal care. To make matters worse, she was not breathing at delivery, which resulted in further mental and physical disability. To read her medical record is to see a list of big, terrifying words describing a small, vulnerable, and beautiful child.

Because she needs full-time care, Tammy would most likely have lived her life in a nursing facility in her home state of North Carolina. But because Lutheran Family Services of Virginia works with couples who wish to adopt from foster care in other states, we are able to help her adoptive family navigate the lengthy and complex process, now almost complete, of adopting a medically fragile child.

By the time she turns five in January, Tammy will be a part of her new family: Amy and Jamie, eight-year-old twins, and 11-year-old Susie, all of whom have medical challenges and who have been adopted.

Your gift will help us continue to help children and families so they can have the things that we all want -- a stable, loving family and a brighter future.

You can help by designating Lutheran Family Services of Virginia, CVC #3706 when you make your pledge for 2011.

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