We are brothers on the road
We are here to help each other
Walk the mile and bear the load
From the Servant Song by Gillard
It is the rare person who completely gives their life to serving the needs of others. Really, think about it. I can only think of a few people.... Mother Theresa, Katie, and Amanda de Lange. Amanda is the founder and Executive Director of the Starfish Foster Home. Amanda founded Starfish Children's Services in 2005 to save children who have serious health issues and that are most at risk in its partnership orphanages in China. After nursing the children back to health through solid nutrition and a loving environment, Starfish organizes and provides for the children's surgeries and post operative care. After recovery, the goal shifts to getting these children adopted so they can join a loving family.
So far, Amanda has cared for 150 children at Starfish. She has arranged more than 175 surgeries and aided in 66 international adoptions. Little starfish adoptees live all over the globe (the US, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Australia and China). Currently the Starfish Foster home is caring for 49 little ones under the age of 3 and 1/2. Amanda is a selfless woman with an amazing vision. She has made a huge difference for so many children and so many families. Her vision has been "For this child, I will make a difference." You can see more about what Amanda does here.
To our great sorrow, Amanda was admitted to a hospital in Xi'an recently for tests and the doctors have determined that she has advanced stages of uterine cancer (stage 4/type B). She has begun chemotherapy and is receiving top medical care. We hope she will continue to receive the best treatment and care possible.
However, without medical insurance, her costs will be extremely expensive. Friends and loved ones worldwide are being invited to help cover the costs of her medical needs. Amanda has given her life so unselfishly for the lives of babies. This is the time to rally around her and make a difference in her life.
There are a few ways we can show our support for Amanda. One is to donate money to help offset her medical costs. To donate , please go to the Starfish Foster Home site and click on the orange button that says "donate now" in the upper right hand corner. Dedicate your donation "in honor of" and type in "Hugs for Amanda" in the box.
The Board of Starfish is also looking for a US Cancer Center that would be willing to treat Amanda pro bono. If you have contacts at any major cancer center, please see their site for further information. I know that not everyone can do these things. Other ways you can help are to pray for healing. You can also send cards or well wishes to
Jeannie Butler
Caring for China's Orphans
PO Box 210003
Nashville, TN
37221
Jeannie will be going to China to be with Amanda on February 27th so send the card/letters right away.
The Starfish Foster Home site will be updating Amanda's situation as they can. I have personally always been amazed at the work that Amanda does and I have sent those lil Starfish babies supplies over the years in the way of clothes and medicine. I am praying and hoping that she will be cured and back loving on those babies.
Thank you, Kim, for sharing the "Hugs for Amanda" fundraiser.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, our youngest, Josie, is from Starfish. The care she received there was incredible and far different than the care our two other daughters received in China. Josie's nanny only had 2 other children besides Josie to care for. The kids had wonderful nutrition, lots of hands-on nurturing and attention, and went for daily walks outside and to the playground. Each meal, bath, bottle, illnesses, etc. was recorded, and she received all the necessary medical care. All waiting children in China should receive such loving care. It's so important to support programs like Starfish....and the very special people, like Amanda de Lange, who found them.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Kim!
ReplyDeleteArgh! My comment sent before I was finished typing. Anyway, thank you so much for sharing this, Kim. What an extraordinary woman. I will be praying for her and heading on over to the link you sent.
ReplyDeleteKim this is tragic. Thank you for telling us about her, I will of course keep her in my prayers and make a donation. Its important when we are so blessed to help out whenever and however we can.
ReplyDeleteOur daughter is currently at Starfish and I couldn't state what Wendy said any better. The care these children receive is the best. It's not only the care, but the love that is shown at Starfish. Amanda is a very special person and I"m so glad to see all the outpouring of love and support for her! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing and inspirational woman.
ReplyDeleteYou will never know how much it means to me to see you post about Amanda. Our Flower is one of Amanda's first 6 babies. She will always be part of the legacy that started Starfish. Amanda is one of the most remarkable women I have ever met. We have been so blessed to have her stay in our home a few times in the last couple of years, when she has visited the states, and witness her receive the much deserved Humanitarian Award from BYU. She is truly a member of our family and Flower is so sad that her 'china mom' is ill. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for spreading the word!
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