It's hard to find parents to adopt special needs children.

Myah Shpiruk is 5 years old today but lived her first 2 1/2 years in an orphange in China. Henry and Rina Shpiruk waited 3 years to adopt a "healthy" child until Rina stumbled across a photo listing of children with special needs waiting for forever families...As she panned over the list #MA268 jumped out at her..she knew that that was her daughter...She applied right away not looking at what her special needs were...she says it was a leap of faith.They soon found out that Myah had 1 kidney and a lot of internal issues. She had several scars on her abdomen from past surgeries in China but no documentation on what , when or why..The Shpiruks brought their daughter home in August of 2008 and they became an instant family which includes 3 brothers.

Life today for the Shpiruks is not your ordinary family life-style. Their daughter has had 14 surgeries thus far...and several more ahead of her. Her mother has traveled to several out of state hospitals and has been away a month at a time leaving behind her 3 boys and husband trying to get the best care for her. She has missed their first day of school, first lost tooth and birthdays. All for the better good. But this family works like a well oiled machine when in crisis.

There are many challenges to adopting a child with special needs and it's crucial to be prepared, organized and supported by others. Insurance issues alone can be a full-time job, let alone learning to navigate the local educational system, where to apply for assistance and endless medical needs. Myah's medical needs/supplies/copays run $1,100 a month. The family regularly deals with a endocrinologist, neurologist, family therapy, geneticist, nephrologist, speech and language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist and 3 surgeons. Myah is non-verbal but can get by with some words. Despite the communication issues,you can see her compassion, joy for life, loving nature and sweetness.

The Shpiruk's had to learn to be an advocate for her. They are the central point of her life and that can be very scary. They know the importance of having families be aware of organ, eye and tissue donation and are committted to educating families.