A Tennessee mom, Priscilla Morse, embarked on an extraordinary journey to save a 7-year-old boy, Ryan, from the clutches of severe malnutrition and neglect at a Bulgarian orphanage.
Priscilla, 33, discovered Ryan through a Facebook post that displayed a haunting image of a frail child, weighing a mere 8 pounds at the age of 7. Stricken with visible veins and covered in hair due to malnutrition, Ryan’s skeletal appearance shocked Priscilla to the core. Determined to provide him with the love and care every child deserves, Priscilla, herself adopted as a child, knew she had to act.
The initial encounter at the Bulgarian orphanage was daunting. Ryan’s emaciated state left Priscilla fearing for his life. His thin skin revealed visible veins, and he resembled a mere skeleton. Undeterred by the grim prognosis, Priscilla, fueled by her own experiences of love in a family, was resolute in her decision to adopt Ryan.
Ryan’s time at the orphanage had left him with severe trust issues regarding food. He would regurgitate his meals, a survival tactic learned in an environment of scarcity. Priscilla, undeterred by the challenges, bonded with Ryan during her visits. Despite his fragile appearance, he responded to interaction with joy.
In November 2015, Ryan made the journey from Bulgaria to Nashville, accompanied by Priscilla and her husband. Their first stop was Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, where medical professionals were stunned by the severity of Ryan’s condition. Refeeding syndrome, a difficulty in digesting nutrients, posed a significant threat. Doctors predicted a grim outcome and contacted social services with their concerns.
Ryan’s health hurdles included cerebral palsy, microcephaly, dwarfism, scoliosis, and severe clubbed feet, likely developed during his time at the orphanage. A feeding tube connected to his intestines became a lifeline, marking the beginning of a slow but steady recovery.
Despite the grim prognosis, Ryan’s progress was remarkable. He enrolled in public school as a third grader, defying expectations. His adoption into a loving family, alongside his adopted sister with Down syndrome, showcased the transformative power of love and care.
While the road to recovery remains long, Ryan’s story stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Priscilla’s unwavering commitment to Ryan’s well-being, coupled with medical intervention, has given him a new lease on life. From enunciating words to relishing Thanksgiving delights, Ryan’s progress radiates hope.
Priscilla emphasizes that special needs children, though often overlooked, are deserving of love and care like any other child. Ryan’s journey serves as a beacon, challenging societal perceptions and underscoring the worth of every child, regardless of their challenges.
