The Power of One

The faint cries of a child, like a whisper in the dark.  Left on a doorstep to an orphanage, on the side of the road, in a back alley.  Abandoned and helpless.  Maybe the child has a birth defect, a severe medical condition, or physical deformity.  Or maybe it is a perfect child, only left by its parents for reasons we don’t understand. 

For those of us that live in China, this is a story we are all too familiar with.  And for those who live elsewhere, perhaps it is one that we have read about time after time.  Either way, it is a true story.  A story far too common in a country whose orphan population is growing exponentially year after year.  Currently publicly available estimates show that there are currently over 1 million children living in orphanages in China.  The harsh reality may be that the number is substantially higher as records are not kept on many of the orphaned children.  

Upon moving to China, I was bombarded by organizations all focused on helping these children, most of which provide foster care, food, medical care, or just plain love and attention for these lost children.  All of these organizations do incredible things and make a tremendous difference in the lives of so many. And like most of us living here, I felt a call to help, but struggled for months trying to find the organization that I fit best with.  Within minutes of meeting the Starfish Charitable Foundation (http://www.starfishtrust.org.hk), I knew I had found the right one.

The Starfish mission is simple.  To help children with medical needs receive the medical treatment they need to restore them to full health, be it physically, emotionally, or spiritually.  Starfish strives towards the goal of helping these children, not only lifting up their hands or feet again, but most importantly, we hope they can lift up their hearts and heads bravely to face tomorrow.  By using our greatest gift, God’s love, we pray they would be filled with His love and hope, completely healed and changed!

On May 18^th, I will run the Beijing Great Wall Half Marathon.  It is something that I have wanted to do since learning about it, something I feel a need to do before we leave China to mark my time here.  As I started my training, I felt that the experience deserved to be something more than just a run on the historical landmark.  You see, Starfish is a firm believer in the Power of One – No matter who you are, you can make a difference as long as you are willing.  This was my chance to bring greater awareness to those that have changed me, these beautiful children and their stories and the volunteers that so tirelessly and diligently give their time and their love in hopes that they too can make a lasting impact.  

Starfish has just opened a Feeding Home here in Shanghai.  Our Feeding Home provides these children a nurturing environment, giving them warm clothes, nourishment, and love until they are healthy enough for their Starfish-sponsored corrective surgery.  We currently have 4 babies between 5-7 months old living there.  My goal for this race is to raise RMB 18,000 (USD$2,900) to provide for one of these beautiful children for the next year until they are fit for surgery.  The simple day-to-day necessities we all take for granted, diapers, milk powder, and any special supplies that they may need to feed properly with their condition.  

Doug and I were lucky enough to meet a very special family 4 years ago that taught us a life lesson, Sempre Avanti, Always Forward.  And that is what this is about.  To help a child leave the beginnings of their life behind them and move forward with the blessings they have been given.  Every child deserves to be hugged, rocked, and sang to.  To have a full belly, a clean diaper, and a warm place to sleep.   To have someone stare adoringly into their eyes and tell them how beautiful they are.  To feel loved.

The Power of One.

Your donation, whether big or small, will impact, transform and restore young lives forever. So please donate and make a difference today!

1. By Check
   Please make check payable to “Starfish Charitable Foundation Limited” and send it to:
   Starfish Charitable Foundation Limited
   c/o Valerie Lohse
   PO Box 1381
   Corning, NY 14845
2. By Direct Debit
   Direct debit to our account at:
   Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Hong Kong
   Beneficiary: Starfish Charitable Foundation Ltd.
   Bank Account No: 004-652-050493-838
   Swift Code: HSBCHKHHHKH
   
3. By Cash (in China)
   Contact Valerie Lohse at: hokieval@gmail.com
   186.1650.7232

We will issue official receipts for all donations.