One of the fabulous families that we met at The Orphan Summit was the Twietmeyer family. They are a family that have adopted six children from Ethiopia, two of them are HIV positive. The story of their daughter, Selah, is truly remarkable. By the time Selah's adoption was complete, she was 12 years old, weighed 32 pounds and was dying from stage 4 Aids. Now she is a healthy, happy 13 year old. While HIV is a death sentence in third world countries, the miracle of HIV medicine in America has eliminated anyone from dying from Aids related issues, but we generally remain a nation uneducated on HIV or Aids. The Twietmeyers have formed Project Hopeful to assist families that adopt HIV positive children and help educate the country against the stigma of HIV.
It was a blessing to spend some time getting to know the Twietmeyers and learning about HIV positive adoptions. The biggest challenge for these families is the stigma of the disease!
The Twietmeyer family is in the December 6th People magazine; it's the first time I've ever bought People and it was well worth my $3. I urge you to check it out.
Also, here's a YouTube link featuring the Twietmeyers, their children, and other families like them. Help spread the truth -
ok i bought the lastest edition of people thinking your friends would be in it - it's the nov. 29th - dec. 6th mag. they are not so far...it's the sexiest man alive issue no less. i was not impressed!
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