Team Mira walks/runs in honor of special needs children and their families.

MIRA'S STORY

A brave love

Mira Frances was born in June 2017. Her loving young birth parents chose adoption through Bethany. They loved her dearly but knew her medical diagnosis and their own life circumstances would make parenting Mira extraordinarily tough. They chose Jake and Briana to be
Mira's mom and dad. 

A rare heart defect

Mira was born with a complex congenital heart condition known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). Essentially, she was born without a functioning left ventricle. At just three days old, she underwent the Norwood procedure, one of three risky palliative open-heart surgeries to help restructure the heart. 

The journey

Upon birth, Mira remained in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at the local children's hospital for almost two months that summer before she recovered enough to come home. Her family was ecstatic to finally have her home, especially her big sister. She received in-home therapies and truly began to thrive. She learned to smile, coo, grunt, and even tried to scoot. She was a beautiful happy baby. 

The "impact"

Unfortunately, Mira had to be hospitalized again in early November 2017, due to low oxygen levels. It was discovered she developed a lung condition, pulmonary hypertension, common in babies with HLHS. Just three weeks later, she passed-away. Mira's story was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Her testimony has motivated more people to consider adopting and fostering children with profound needs. Her life may have only lasted five months on earth, but her impact will last lifetimes.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Bethany has a fund, The Caring Connection, that financially assists Bethany families adopting special needs children

• Up to 134,000 children with special needs are awaiting permanent homes, according to the National Adoption Center

• Special needs extends to other characteristics that often make it difficult for agencies to find permanent homes

Join us in lacing up your shoes and commit to Go Further for Family. You can help ensure vulnerable kids and families are safe, loved, and connected. Please join me in supporting families right here in North Carolina. Bethany is a global nonprofit in more than 30 states and more than a dozen countries dedicated to helping families thrive. In North Carolina, core services include foster care, pregnancy counseling, adoption services, and family counseling.