Brad Larson has been my executive account manager at Go Daddy for a number of years. Whenever I’ve needed anything related to my account, Brad has been there to get things done for me ASAP. I learned about Both Ends Burning from Brad, and I asked him to provide details about the organization and why he supports it so fervently.
Two and a half years ago I met Jed at an orphanage in Haiti. He was 18 months old and had a smile that lit up the room. Of all the kids there, Jed and I connected. His story was painful. Born with no legs, he was a burden on his family and they were too poor to give him the care he needed. Jed was brought to the orphanage where he lived his two short years on this earth.
When I learned of Jed’s passing, it literally wrecked my heart. This little boy was born without a family and died without a family. And the shocking reality was that he was just one of 163 million orphans in the world. 163 million children without families. In my mind, now each one of those kids had a face, Jed’s face.
My journey with Jed started me on the path and ignited a passion for international adoption. It was then that my paths crossed with Craig Juntunen and Both Ends Burning.
Craig is an advocate not just for adoption, but for the millions of families, who like me discovered that international adoption is a broken system. It is ridiculously expensive, takes far too long- and excludes millions of willing families from being united with children who so desperately need to find a home. Without a family, it is almost certain, their stories will end much like Jed’s.
Both End’s Burning is championing change to the system of international adoption. It is a cause worthy of my time, my energy and my money. I am all in, and you can be too. The task of reforming the current system for international adoption is huge, but the need is great, and the kids are worth it. Sign this petition(link to petition) and help us spread the word. Watch this moving speech that Craig delivered at last weeks’ 8th Annual Adoption Policy Conference.
For the millions of Jed’s out there, I ask you to join forces with BothEndsBurning.org
Did you end up adopting E?