Cancer + Adoption

A little of today's research. When this whole dream began sprouting, the fact that I HAD cancer never really played a factor in my mind. Even when I was kicking cancer's butt, I didn't see myself as "sick", and still struggle to get it into my mind that I had cancer and beat it (and had a few close brushes with NOT beating it). So I guess that makes it hard for me to imagine being turned away for adoption. But after only a tiny bit of research, I've discovered that MANY countries do not allow cancer survivors to adopt. And even with the countries that do allow cancer survivors to adopt, you have to be picky with the agency. And then, they may require that I be cancer free for several years (in April I will just be one year out from diagnosis).

Most adoption agencies report that they do not rule out cancer survivors as potential parents, especially with documentation from a doctor stating that lifespan and quality of life are expected to be good. However, some agencies do require a certain amount of time to pass before allowing a survivor to be eligible (e.g. 5 years).

CancerPoints:
Countries from which cancer survivors have adopted children include: Colombia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Russia, South Korea (5 years), Ukraine, United States of America and Vietnam.

AWAA is out of the picture: Prospective parents must be free of cancer or other life-threatening diseases for at least three (3) years before applying to AWAA. At least we don't have to worry about this part (LOL): Families who are in the process of adopting from China who become pregnant must withdraw from the adoption process until their birth child is one year old. Families who are in the process of adopting from other countries who become pregnant must withdraw from the adoption process until their birth child is 6 months old. A family whose adoption has been withdrawn should inform us if their pregnancy does not come to term.

Did find some hope:

http://theeyesofmyeyesareopened.blogspot.com/ (Ethiopia)

http://www.thisisnow.org/ (domestic adoption)

Keep on praying!! Gonna go dig some more while Bean naps (sounds like she is napping at least, haven't heard her reading over the monitor in a few-LOVE listening to her sweet voice).

Just ready this on Gladney:

Q: My wife was diagnosed with colon cancer a few months ago. We are curious if we would still be able to adopt a child.

A: Gladney requires that prospective parents be cancer free for at least one full year before starting the adoption process. As long as the prospective parent is currently healthy and can provide a letter from their physician stating so, there shouldn't be any problems.