In the biting cold of a Russian winter in 2005, some children that are labeled as “orphans” made me their friend. These children were the dormitory-mates of my new daughter-to-be. These children were just like any other school aged children around the world. They didn’t think of themselves as “orphans.” They didn’t think of themselves in the horrifying statistics that would surely describe them in another two decades. They saw themselves growing up to be ballerinas and sports heroes, scientists and leaders. Such is childhood. During that time in life, overwhelming optimism shields us from the harshness of the real world. And during that time among my new-found friends, I realized that I wanted to spend the rest of my life in helping children who didn’t have parents… yet.

Sometimes these children need to be adopted. Often that can happen within their own countries. Sometimes it can’t. My work to be a voice for children who don’t have parents, no matter what country they reside in, is two-fold. First, I try to lead families who can and should help, toward these children who need homes and parents. Secondly, I try to get those who can and should help, to provide assistance for those who are left behind.

Please help me to help them.