Happy World Down Syndrome Day!
I cannot think of a better way to celebrate this day than by giving you an opportunity to literally make a difference in the life of a little girl with Down syndrome.....across the world.

Albina is four and half years old. She lives in an institution in Eastern Europe (she has been transferred already from her Baby House, to an interim institution...when she is older she will be transferred to an adult mental institution.) Albina has Down syndrome.
She's never known the love of a mommy or a daddy. She's never had someone to read her bedtime stories, tuck her in at night, tell her she's beautiful, tell her she matters, tell her she's loved.
And she's been waiting all of her life for someone to rescue her.
Last year readers rallied together here on A Perfect Lily to raise a ransom for Albina. An anonymous donor pledged $5,000 towards Albina's grant fund on Reece's Rainbow...dollar for dollar they would match donations that came in up to that amount. I challenged readers to give, and you did- over $10,000 was raised for little Albina. Less than a month later a family came forward to commit to Albina's adoption- enter the Jolly family.....
The Jolly's have been working tirelessly all year to bring Albina home. They've held garage sales, coin drives, sold calendars, goat's milk, necklaces, done Longaberger, Scentsy and Willow House fundraisers, sold things on ebay, done photography sessions, and of course invested every spare penny they have into this adoption.
Can I just share from my heart for a moment?
At the end of last year I was almost done fundraising for orphans. I felt drained, I was tired of the (few) nasty comments that kept showing up in my inbox, tired of asking people to give, and worried that readers themselves were tired of me asking.
I prayed for many weeks about what God would have me to do...and you know who God put on my heart?
Families.
I've said it before, but it bears repeating....
There is something beautiful and powerful about mamas and daddies sacrificing finances, time, and energy to rescue a child who is going to require extraordinary amounts of care and effort once they are home. There is something amazing and rare about families who will put everything on the line, including and especially their hearts, for a child who by the world's standards is broken. There is something pure and noble and absolutely right about that kind of love- the love that says it doesn't matter what it takes, I am going to rescue this child, and nothing is going to stand in my way. The love that faces seemingly insurmountable costs and mountains of paperwork and risks what family and friends will think about traveling across the ocean to save a child you've never met before, one that many people might say wasn't really "fit for life" in the first place.
I contacted Jonana Jolly at the end of December and told her I wanted to help them finish the job of bringing Albina home. Shortly after that I had two friends offer prizes to help raise a ransom for Brent. I told Jonana I would host a giveaway for Albina a few weeks after.
Right after that, a friend wrote to me asking if I could help Kelly Dirkes.
I told Jonana again, that I might need to put her giveaway on hold so that I could help Kelly...you know what Jonana said ? True to her huge heart, she told me to go for it.
Many of you know what happened....The Six Day Miracle.
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Kelly and Charlotte on Gotcha Day- this week :) |
So here we are at the end of March....and I am coming to you imploring you to help this family.
Albina and the Jolly family have been on my heart for a year now. I want to get them fully funded. And yes...as always...I am shaking in my shoes as I type this.
I have no idea how or if this could happen. Readers here have done so much for orphans already. But I do know I serve a big God. And if He put the Jolly's and little Albina on my heart for so long, that can only mean one thing. I've got to trust Him on this.
Will you help me?
How about a little motivational video?? (taken by another adoptive family)
Will you help the Jolly family go rescue their girl?
Will you help me get them fully funded?
How about some amazing prizes as incentive???
WINNER'S CHOICE (ONE OF THE FOLLOWING THREE):
1) NEW Apple iPad 16GB Wifi Tablet ***NEWEST MODEL JUST
ANNOUNCED***
ANNOUNCED***
• New Retina display for the sharpest text and graphics display
• New A5X high-speed processor
• 16GB storage
• Wi-fi connectivity
• 10 hours battery life with Wi-fi turned on
• 5MP camera built-in
• HD quality video recording
• Facetime (video chat)
• Support for thousands of apps in iTunes App Store
OR
2) Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18- 55mm IS II Lens
• 12.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor for
high image quality and speed.
• ISO 100 - 6400 for shooting from bright to dim light.
• Improved EOS HD Movie mode with expanded recording [HD: 30p (29.97)
/ 25p], and with in-camera movie editing options.
• High speed, reliable 9-point AF system utilizing a high precision, f/5.6
cross-type center point.
• Enhanced metering with a 63-zone, Dual-layer metering system for
accurate metering between exposures.
• 3.0 fps continuous shooting up to approximately 830 JPEGs or 2.0 fps for
approximately 5 RAW.
• 2.7-inch wide TFT LCD monitor (230,000 dots) with Live View function for
improved viewing.
• Express your creativity with ease using advanced imaging features like the
new Basic+ function, Quick Setting function and Creative Auto.
• New Feature Guide offers short descriptions of each function and Quick
Control screen for easy operation.
• Compatibility with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards.
• Compatible with the full line of Canon EF and EF-S lenses.
OR
3) $500 Amazon.com Gift Card
And a host of other wonderful prizes....
$100 gift card to Target !!!
(thank you, Kelly Dirkes !!)
Sock Monkey Hat (winner chooses size) from The3MonkeysBoutique on Etsy. Crocheted sock monkey hat. specify color- sock monkey brown/gray, pink, blue, purple, orange.
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Hot/cold packs from June 34 on Etsy Heat in the microwave to soothe sore muscles or warm up during cold night. Place in the freezer for a cold pack... great for boo-boo's for little ones!
Highly Fragrant Soy Candle in 8 oz. tin container by JubileeScents on Etsy - Sugar Cookie and Pomegranate (one of each) Approximate 40 hours burn time - Made in USA
Tutu- Made in any size and any color for the winner - Can also choose short or long skirt.
Vera Bradley inspired flameless LED candles - Choose any of the styles shown - Winner receives 2 candles
Ten bows (winner's choice) from Natasha's Hair Bowtique and one bow holder:
![]() |
(bows hang from tutu ribbons) |
Darling Pink tutu, size 6 months
Baby Bluebird hat made with love by Sarah and Rachel at Handiwork for Lilly
Baby Bluebird hat made with love by Sarah and Rachel at Handiwork for Lilly
and finally, the GRAND PRIZE.....
Oh yeah, baby!
Renee Tam's world famous toffee. I don't think there is a price you could put on this stuff. For reals.
There are MANY ways to enter this giveaway. Leave a comment saying what you did to be entered (donated, shared, etc.) You do not have to specify your donation amount- paypal keeps track of these, and Jonana will total your entries.
*donate to the Jolly Family via the paypal gadget on my sidebar
$10 = one entry
$25 = 5 entries
$50 = 20 entries
*one entry PER DAY for sharing the giveaway on FB (status must be updated each day for each entry)
*one entry PER DAY for blogging about the giveaway (please include your blog link in your comment.)
*my wonderful friend, Deanna is co-hosting this giveaway with me. Become a follower of Everything and Nothing From Essex and leave a comment (there) saying you did so for an extra entry.
*twenty entries for getting this giveaway talked about on a radio station. It's never happened yet, but hey, it's worth a try ;)
Our goal is $18,500. I realize that's huge. But I just watched God work a $17,000 miracle for Charlotte last month, and I'm just crazy enough to pray He'll do it again.
Giveaway ends March 30th, and winners will be drawn and announced on March 31st.
Ten days to watch a miracle happen.
Will you help us Save Albina ????
105 comments:
Exciting!!!! I am still awake and the first to leave a comment, I think. SO happy to see you doing this for Albina Patti. You know I will be donating and sharing and spreading, spreading the word. I remember the first giveaway for Albina. What a blessing to be a part of this again. Albina is just precious. She has grown SO much since her last photo. It reminds me how fast time flies and how important it is that these precious kiddos are rescued quickly.
What a wonderful way to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day!! Their lives are special and worth saving. Thank you Patti!!
Donated! Now, I am going to go log back into FB and spread the word about this wonderful giveaway. I will continue to do that. And I am sure I will be back donating again when I can.
Praying for this to bring in the total amount that is needed for this sweet family to go get their baby girl. Cannot wait to see her rescued. I LOVE seeing all of these kiddos rescued because of this blog of yours God is using. SO happy to watch Charlotte get rescued. Oh, the pictures are just melting me of her. Seeing her eat peanut butter for the first time was priceless. Love to you. Oh, missing Lily again!!
hi-donated. Praying that the amount is raised fully:-)
Kathy
I donated via PayPal. Praying that Albina will soon be with loving parents. Thank you for your commitment to these children.
Donated, thanks for doing this! She is adorable. Marianne
Our family just donated! We are praying for Albina and her loving family. The Holy Spirit has been calling to my heart on this very issue for awhile now. Thank you for your courage and inspiration and for showing all of us how to be Christ's hands and feet here on Earth.
Donated, with prayers that this sweet girl will soon be home with her family. Thank you for letting us help.
Becky
Donated! Albina is the child that opened my eyes and heart to the plight of children with DS in EE. I had no idea before I found her beautiful face on your blog. Praying for a fully funded adoption and God speed to bring her home!
I'm donating right now for Miss Albina ~ thanks for always showing me who needs help.
Fb shared.
shared at virginiadawn .xanga .com
Donating now. What a sweet sad looking girl. Praying she will smile soon in the arms of her new family. What a great thing you are doing.
I donated! Can't wait for Albina to get home:-)
Donation made. I pray that this sweet girl comes home to her family soon.
Just blogged about Albina and the giveaway!
http://where-your-treasure-is.blogspot.com/2012/03/be-winner.html
And just shared on Facebook!
And... donated!
Bless you for continuing your donation efforts on behalf of these special families! I donated last year to Albina's fund, and I'm happy to help with the final stretch.
I accidentally deleted your email before responding, but I've got a link to you on my post today.
My dear, dear Friend, bless you...
I just donated & thank you for opening our eyes, sometimes we need that
xoxo
cathy
ps. next time I'll help out with a prize ;)
I follow Everything & Nothing from Essex.
Donated and posting on FB. I can't think of a better way to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day!
Donated and shared on facebook... it breaks my heart to see Albina is in an institution. I have been praying for Albina for a long time. Honestly, I don't understand why they get transferred, especially when there is a family on their way to get them. Very, very frustrating.
Happy to donate, even if I can't give as much as I'd like to. What a great way to give people something to really DO for WDSD.
Donated. Best of luck!
Thanks for all you are doing! We're hoping to bring home a little girl with Down Syndrome some day- working on getting things in order first.. so it's great to help others realize the dream!
I blogged about it, I facebooked it, I followed the other blog and commented, I donated... and I am praying that the Jolly family will have all of their funds taken care of at the end of this!!!
Just blogged about Albina:
www.lankfordlegacy.blogspot.com
Can't wait to see how God works!
Wendy
Just donated. What a beautiful girl!
Patti,
I've been following Kelly on her amazing journey to bring Charlotte home and am happy to donate $50 thru Paypal for Albina. It's not much, but thank you for all you do for these children who are so dear to my heart.
I would like to friend you on FB, if you will.
Blessings,
Samm, Warren OH
thank you so much, Samm :)
I donated and shared on FB! As always, for my uncle Jim, we miss him everyday. Let's get Albina home, just like Charlotte!
I donated to Albina :) :)
I haven't donated yet (I should check with my husband first) but I am tweeting you all over!
Donated! And will be sharing on FB. Praying for this family and this sweet child.
Thanks AGAIN for all you do for these lost little ones. I donated and shared on facebook in honor of our sweet little niece Gracie.
Sweet Albina! I took those photos and video - she is in the same institution as the sweet girl we are adopting. Albina is precious, and sweet, and full of snuggles. I was so happy to hug her close and whisper that her mama and papa were working hard to bring her home. We will travel again soon in the next few weeks and I will hopefully have an opportunity to get more photos of her. She is such a love and will be a wonderful addition to the Jolly family!
Kim
TheSimpsonSix.blogspot.com
Shared on FB. God bless your family!
I just donated and am going back to Facebook to share. I sure hope she can come home soon.
I have been waiting for something to put my pay pal account money that I have from my etsy shop to! I'd be happy to give it to this family to bring home their daughter
I just posted on my blog for this beautiful little girl. Storming heaven that they can bring her home soon! I also just posted to face book. I will keep praying!
Forgot to post the blog link:
http://www.runningofthebullio.blogspot.com/2012/03/happy-world-down-syndrome-day.html
Will also donate tomorrow after I discuss with my husband!
Donated, shared on FB, following Deanna. Patti - you rock!
I just donated. I hope she's home soon!
-Miranda Lewis
shared on fb! I want that toffee that I have heard so much about LOL!
Howdy!
I shared, and think I advertised pretty well :) Hoping to donate, too!
Rochelle
Elk Grove, CA
Hi! I found you via Deanna's site.
I (1) donated this morning, (2) "follow" Deanna on Google Reader (for the extra entry), and (3) posted about this on my website: http://soprettyinthesky.tumblr.com/post/19733535927/listen-up-ppl-a-chance-to-1-do-something-good-and . :-) . I don't have a bunch of followers b/c I just post random things, BUT, the more you can get it "out there" the better.
Have you tried maybe posting this on sites like Reddit, Huffington Post, and/or if your local news has a website, things like that? You might get more entries that way? (I have not submitted to those sites before, but I'm just brainstorming ways you can raise publicity for this). And apologies if you've already done so, I haven't had the chance to read all the way through your site, just "thinking out loud."
Anyway - that is great that you're doing this.
KP
How I wish I could donate! We are saving our pennies for adoption of a child with Down Syndrome as well. What I CAN donate is my prayers!
I followed Everything and Nothing from Essex for an entry.
Genevieve Thul
A family is working to bring home a 4 1/2 year old child with Down Syndrome from Eastern Europe. Come visit this amazing give-away and please consider donating! http://babynumber10.blogspot.com/2012/03/saving-albina.html
A Perfect Lily: Saving Albina
babynumber10.blogspot.com
*Facebook Status Updated 3/22*
I donated!! :)
Sharing on FB and looking for connections with a radio dj!
I donated yesterday and just posted on my blog www.thissideofordinary.blogspot.com today linking back here hoping all three of my readers will help too.
Thanks so much for all you're doing! I will definitely spread the word!
Just donated! Can't wait to see her come home!
I just donated to bring that sweet girl home to her sweet family. I love your heart Patti! Please don't stop doing what you do for God's kids.
I also shared on FB, lets spread the word and watch those numbers climb!!
Shared on FB! Gonna try to get it on the radio!!
Found you from Deanna's blog and donated :)
I'm donating via pay pal :)
Donated!! Let's get this baby girl HOME!!
Shared on FB :)
Hi I shared this on my Facebook
dhunter40@aol.com
Hi I'm following Everything and Nothing from Essex
dhunter40@aol.com
I've been really moved reading about all these beautiful families and children with Down Syndrome this week. Thank you for spreading the awareness and helping bring this sweet girl home.
Shared on Facebook, donated, and became a follower of Deanna's blog.
Hi I'm waiting to hear back from a friend of mine @ the radio station, XFingersX I think she can get the word out , I pray this baby gets home to her MOMMY and DADDY REAL SOON !!!
dhunter40@aol.com
God Bless yall
shared on facebook today dear friend...if i can manage it i will try to donate before the end but things very tight here financially xxx
I donated. I hope they can bring her home really soon.
I also posted it on facebook.
Shared again on FB :)
Donated!!!
Shared via Facebook. :)
Donated, shared on FB, followed Deanna. Praying for the Jolly family :)
I can just imagine this sweet little girl's face lighting up when her forever family gets to her! Happy to donate!!!
Following Deanna and Facebook'd :)
Sharing on FB!
Donated $10!
I am following Deana
xoxo
cathy
Just donated - happily!!! What a wonderful way to raise awareness and help! I'm SO excited for Albina and the Jolly family! Thank you!
I'm tweeting you again. And I started following Everything and Nothing... sooo good.
Donated $10.00 for Albina. :-)
Hi, I donated to this. Praying that they will be able to bring this sweet little girl home!
Rosalyn
Renee's toffee?!? I'm in!
BEST dessert EVER!!!!!!!!
We never tire of hearing about the financial needs of orphans. They are my favorite posts to read. Keep 'em coming!
$10 from the Ristow7
Now following Everything and Nothing Essex.
I donated $25 for Albina. May she come home soon!
I donated $25 for Albina.
I also became a follower of Everything and Nothing (and left a comment over there).
I've also shared this (today) on Facebook. I'll try to remember to share other days as well and will let you know if I manage to follow through. :)
I know the Jolly's personally and Albina is one very lucky little girl that they have chosen to welcome her to their family. Good Luck. Lou Anne Falanga
Praying!!! Posted on my FB page today.
Hi Patti, I blogged today for sweet Albina at http://ellietheurer.blogspot.com/2012/03/forget-me-not-friday-albina-and-tabitha.html
shared on my facebook yet again!
Shared on facebook again!! :)
donated for this sweet little girl
Patti,
YAY! I am finally home and not at work and can comment.
Here's where I'm at:
1) Donated $50 via your sidebar.
2) Posted daily for 3 days on my FB, also posted to NBC 4 and Dave Ramsey's FB - I hope people read it!
3) I've tweeted twice so far, tagging Deanna in them, hoping my followers donate!
4) I'm a FB fan, email follower and Twitter follower of Deanna's now, too.
Fundraiser and Albina aside...I hope you are doing okay. I hope the Rice house is enveloped in love, peace and hope during this most difficult time. We are praying for you down in So Cal, sending you much love!
Tweeting again, and praying for you!
I shared on FB!
Kim
TheSimpsonSix.blogspot.com
Just blogged about it - I hope to have updated photos of Albina next week!
http://thesimpsonsix.blogspot.com/2012/04/saving-albina.html
I signed up to follow Deanna's blog!
Donated my $25!
and I posted to facebook!
Just donated to this wonderful cause.
Donated $50 and shared on facebook. God Bless!
I'm 21 and long to adopt every single day. Every weekend I scroll through Reeces Rainbow phtotos praying for all the the little souls. It's your turn Albina! I can't adopt yet but I can sure help bring you home!! Donated and shared!
Just donated $25 and shared on FB. :) I already follow Deanna's blog - so I don't know if that counts or not...what if I'm friends with Deanna on FB and we've bonded over teaching music.... ;) Thanks for helping out the Jolly's - they deserve it so much! Can't wait to see sweet Albina home in their arms!! :)
Donated :) Praying for this amazing family! Albina is beautiful! <3
donated.
of course.
who could resist that sweet little face?!
So proud that my little shop, June 34, could be part of this giveaway to help bring Albina home. I've shared on my FB page twice and I donated this evening. Praying for you, Jolly family! XOXO, Ashley Stinson
Love & prayers to Albina and to her wonderful forever family! Just donated. Hope you can bring home your daughter soon!
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