Margot from European Union

Margot was born prematurely at very low birth weight from a twin pregnancy in November 2014. She endured a difficult neonatal course. Margot has been diagnosed with infantile cerebral palsy/spastic diplegia, gastroesophageal reflux disease associated with poor food tolerance and physical development, umbilical hernia (surgically repaired), convergent strabismus, and delayed development. She has a history of acute lymphoblastic leukemia for which she received treatment, and as of May 2019, she has been in full clinical hematological remission. Update June 2022: Margot continues to have very limited mobility in terms of both fine and gross motor skills and depends on assistance from others for all tasks of daily living. Margot likes to stack rings and play with rattles. She enjoys attention and personal interactions, but tires quickly of such intense emotional contact. Margot responds to being called by name and refers to herself by her nickname as well. She understands some of what is said to her along with nonverbal cues and is able to speak short syllables. Margot is often restless and exhibits irregular patterns of sleeping and being awake. This beautiful girl is waiting for a family who can provide for her life-long needs. 2021: Margot is a gentle, loving little girl who smiles often despite her complicated history. She expresses joy at the mention of a favorite person and loves receiving attention and affection from her caregivers. Margot watches other children with interest and attempts to make physical contact by reaching out to touch them when possible. She shows no aggression, self-aggression, or stereotypic behaviors. Margot rolls from back to front and has minimal head control. She cannot sit, crawl, or stand and is often positioned in a therapy chair in the playroom. Margot grabs and holds objects with her left hand, and with guidance, can place small toys into a box, take them back out, and stack rings on a fixed support. Although her right hand is often clenched in a fist, she will at times transfer toys from hand to hand. Margot is fed by her caregivers but can hold a spoon on her own and understands its purpose. She is learning to drink from a cup. Margot can follow some simple verbal directions, vocalizes about 5 words, and uses some social gestures such as reaching out a hand to indicate ‘hello’. Sweet Margot desperately needs a family by her side to love and cherish her. Weight at birth: 1.230 kg Height at birth: 48 cm Head circumference at birth: 24 cm