Laurana from European Union

Laurana was born at 37 weeks gestation from a desired though high-risk pregnancy in December 2017 and has been living in state care since infancy. After spending three years at a large orphanage, she was transferred to a smaller facility at the end of 2020. Laurana has been diagnosed with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome and her symptoms include slow growth, a congenital heart defect (surgically treated), microcephaly, and characteristic facial features, as well as severely delayed development. Update November 2022: Laurana is a sunny child who continues to be very delayed in her development. She can now sit with assistance and roll from back to belly. In this position, she exhibits head control. Laurana is not potty trained and eats purees from bottles. She can also eat from a spoon, albeit very slowly, so the staff do not have time to feed her in this manner. Laurana sleeps well in her own crib with two roommates. She likes listening to musical toys and spending time outdoors. Laurana is severely underserved in her current setting, rarely receiving therapeutic interventions or developmentally appropriate stimulation and opportunities. The official and accepted practice of the professionals overseeing her care is to refrain from forming attachments with any of the children at the group home. Laurana needs a family that can give her all the love and attention she deserves and provide her with the resources she needs to reach her full potential. 2021: Laurana is a calm girl who is well-oriented in the familiar schedule and spaces of her daily life. She does not yet have head control but can roll from back to belly. She depends on adult assistance for all activities, including hygiene and feeding. Laurana is completely nonverbal and does not appear to understand the speech of others. Due to her physical and cognitive limitations, Laurana does not actively seek contact with others and does not participate in play. She reacts positively when someone interacts with her directly and smiles in response. A family interested in adopting this sweet girl must be prepared to provide life-long, comprehensive care for her.