Worth from European Union

Worth was born at very low birthweight in November 2018 with evidence of congenital CMV (cytomegalovirus) infection. He has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus (shunt installed and revised after malfunction), cortical blindness and bilateral cataracts, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and rickets. He spent the first four months of his life at the hospital and now lives in one of the largest orphanages in his country. Worth is largely immobile and severely delayed developmentally, functioning at the level of a newborn, and depending entirely on the care of others. Update October 2021: There have been no changes in Worth’s circumstances and his development has not progressed. He continues to spend most of his days lying down and having very limited mobility or interactions. Worth responds well to affectionate physical touch and gentle speech which soothe and bring him joy. May 2021: Worth continues to be severely disabled and functioning at the level of a one-month-old baby. His seizure activity has been reduced in the last several months, but he still takes medication for this diagnosis. Worth is fed via an NG tube and reportedly has no swallow reflex and no teeth. He sleeps most of the time but has been observed to laugh out loud when spoken to softly or when someone caresses his back. While uncomfortable in unfamiliar settings, he responds well to physical touch and gentle motion. Worth is extremely vulnerable and needs the protection of a family that will love him exactly for who he is. 2020: Worth has poor head control and makes uncoordinated movements with his limbs. While he reacts to loud noises, he generally does not respond to many environmental stimuli. Worth enjoys being cradled in someone’s arms and visibly relaxes during those moments. When an adult speaks kindly to Worth and caresses his face, he gives a small smile. Worth’s medical and developmental needs are significant and long-term, so a family considering this sweet boy must be prepared to care for him lifelong. 2020: Worth has poor head control and makes uncoordinated movements with his limbs. While he reacts to loud noises, he generally does not respond to many environmental stimuli. Worth enjoys being cradled in someone’s arms and visibly relaxes during those moments. When an adult speaks kindly to Worth and caresses his face, he gives a small smile. Worth’s medical and developmental needs are significant and long-term, so a family considering this sweet boy must be prepared to care for him lifelong.