The Adoption of Evelena

 

 

A little bit about Eviee . . . Evelena is an amazing little girl that joined our family coming up on three years ago.  What an amazing story she has!   At the time Evelena Amberly Christman came into our life, she had been through so much.  Evelena lived with her Grandma Suzanne and Grandpa Bill in Laughlin, Nevada.  She was a beautiful little toddler and loved playing and laughing with her grandparents.  Unbeknown to anybody at the time, Evelena had some serious medical issues developing in her little body and brain.  Evelena has cerebral palsy with right sided paralysis as well as a disease called Wilson’s Disease.  Evelena also was globally developmentally delayed and did not speak.  She communicated via her very own made up language and by flapping her arms. 



Grandma Suzanne and Grandpa Bill were beginning to notice that something seemed different with this beautiful little girl.  Tragically, Grandma Suzanne unexpectedly passed away from an unknown rare medical condition leaving Grandpa Bill to care for Evelena all by himself.  Kelly travelled to Laughlin to help out for a brief period of time and fell in love with this little miracle! Andy & Kelly went back to Laughlin and spent some time with this beautiful little girl.  Eviee had some significant developmental and health issues so a decision was reached to have her seen at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. 

 

Eviee was diagnosed at Children’s Hospital with having a traumatic brain injury.  This diagnosis was followed shortly after with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy with right-sided partial paralysis.  Once Eviee got to California, we put her in therapy for her developmental delays and she goes to assorted therapies 5 times a week!! In addition to pre-school! 

 

In June 2017, Evelena was diagnosed as having a rare liver disease known as Wilson’s Disease.  Basically, her body does not metabolize the mineral - copper.  Her little body deposits too much copper into her Liver, Brain and Eyes causing a potentially fatal chemical toxicity in her little body.  There is presently no cure for this disease.  She will require treatment for this disease her whole entire life.  There are treatments for her that will allow her be able to have a rich full life. Thanks be to God for the early diagnosis and treatment that has already been provided. 

 

 

Over the past three years that Evelena has been with us, we have grown to love her more than one can tell.  She is the joy of our lives.  She is exceptionally funny, loves the outdoors and has no fear of anything – except not being with family and friends. 

 

In March 2017, we were awarded Full Guardianship of Evelena! Despite it being a very rainy day Evelena made sure she brought her “pet” wrapped up in a blanket to court with her. 

 

Evelena continues to face numerous developmental and health challenges head on.  She loves to run and jump and recently learned to swim!  Despite her injuries and setbacks she charges forward no matter what.  She truly is a remarkable, beautiful gift from God.

 

The time has come for us to begin the adoption proceedings.  As many may or may not know, Adoptions are VERY EXPENSIVE!! We are faced with numerous financial obligations due to Evelena’s medical care and therapy which dictates that Kelly be at home with Evelena, which is so worth it but very costly nonetheless. We have researched other Adoption Success stories about couples that built GoFundme accounts to assist with their adoptions.  We thought what a fun way to share Evelena’s story with the world and seek a little assistance for her adoption at the same time. 

 

Should you choose to contribute to Evelena’s Adoption goal of $13,500 you must know that every penny donated will be spent on her Adoption Expenses to have her become a permanent part of her FOREVER FAMILY – US!!  The Chapman Family