In a Facebook post, Priscilla Morse, a Tennessee mom, encountered a distressing image of Ryan, a 7-year-old boy suffering severe malnutrition in a Bulgarian orphanage. Weighing only 8 pounds, he shocked Priscilla, triggering her resolve to rescue him. Adopted herself, Priscilla felt a deep calling to provide Ryan the love he lacked.
Upon visiting the orphanage, Priscilla faced the harsh reality of Ryan’s emaciated state. Unfazed, she committed to adopting him, driven by her own experiences of familial love. Ryan’s past left him with trust issues, leading to meal regurgitation as a survival tactic. However, Priscilla’s persistent visits forged a bond that brought joy to Ryan.
In 2015, Ryan journeyed to Nashville, where doctors at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital were alarmed by his severe condition. Overcoming refeeding syndrome and multiple health challenges, including cerebral palsy and dwarfism, Ryan defied expectations. Adopted into a caring family, his progress in public school showcases the transformative power of love.
Ryan’s story, emphasizing the resilience of the human spirit, challenges perceptions of special needs children. Priscilla’s unwavering commitment, coupled with medical intervention, has given Ryan a new lease on life, inspiring hope and underscoring the worth of every child, regardless of challenges.