Yong is Coming Home!
Late last year, we learned about a very special little boy named Yong with a rare facial tumor who was orphaned in Guizhou. His orphanage had tried to get him help at several hospitals in China, but they were told the surgery was just too complex. His orphanage director contacted LWB to see if we could possibly help him, and through the kindness and compassion of people all over the world, the funding needed for him to have surgery in Los Angeles was raised. Shortly afterwards, however, we learned that Yong would be unable to come to the U.S.
In April, I met Yong and his wonderful foster family in Guizhou. They told me that his tumor was growing so rapidly that he was losing his ability to eat solid foods. He was losing weight, and they were concerned that he wouldn’t be strong enough for an operation. We immediately sent a very specialized formula to him, and the next day I was able to meet with provincial leaders to discuss his case. I was extremely grateful that they agreed that adoption was his very best option for getting the healthcare he required, and they promised to file all of his paperwork immediately.
I am overjoyed to let you know that Yong has an adoptive family traveling soon to bring him home. They have given their permission to let everyone know that he will soon be Kim and Jane Clement’s beloved son. The Clements have partnered with us through their ministry to heal so many children in China, and I am just so thankful that they will soon be able to provide Yong with all of the medical care he will need.
I have to admit that when we first learned that Yong would be unable to come to the U.S. for surgery, I was of course heartbroken. I couldn’t understand why that would happen when everything had come together for his healing. People around the world had taken Yong into their hearts and given so generously to help him. But now…when I stand back and look at everything that has since transpired, I only see the greatest of blessings. If we had not been asked to help Yong, then his adoption paperwork would not have been filed. And even though we refunded a lot of donations when the surgery couldn’t take place, most people told us to use their donations to heal other urgent children on our waiting list. Because of this one boy, many other children received their life changing operations. And now, this beautiful child has a FAMILY moving heaven and earth to get him home in the next month. Ironically, he will be operated on by the exact team who was originally going to help him. Over 20 specialists at LA Children’s Hospital will come together to make sure Yong gets the best medical care possible.
I know that everyone who has followed his story will celebrate with me that Yong is coming home. Thank you again for believing his life is so priceless and important. LWB has the most incredible supporters. You change lives every day!
~Amy Eldridge, Chief Executive Officer
