On Adopt 8, older children and sibling sets, considered harder to place, are often profiled. But in this Adopt 8, we're profiling a baby.
Anthony is happy and healthy, but there's a chance he may develop issues many years from now, but there's also a chance he may not.
Whatever his fate, what Anthony needs now is a forever family to give him a loving home.
Five-month-old Anthony is hitting all of his milestones. He loves tummy time and as you watch him build his little upper body muscles, you can't help but smile at his precious grin and his kick-happy feet. He's a healthy, active, alert and enjoyable baby.
"He sleeps through the night, except for the typical waking up for a bottle, rarely cries. I hate to jinx that, but he is just a great baby," said Protective Services Worker, Valerie Moore.
But there's a reason Anthony is still waiting to find a forever family, though he's happy and healthy now, Anthony is at risk of developing a hereditary degenerative disease.
"Anthony and his maternal side of the family, there is a hereditary disorder that affects his life expectancy. There's a 50/50 chance he can get it since he has one parent who has it," explained Moore. "And it can affect his ability to communicate, it can affect his ability to function independently, but we don't know if he has this genetic disorder and due to ethical issues they will not test until he's 18."
Anthony's mother was diagnosed while she was in college.
"It doesn't present itself until the mid 20's," continued Moore.
So with a biological mother unable to care for him, Anthony is now waiting for a forever family.
"He is in a foster home he's been in since birth. She's been doing a great job taking care of him, she said that he is one of the easiest babies she's ever had," added Moore.
And now, what Anthony needs is a permanent home where he can continue to thrive.
"We are looking for a family that's going to love on him and give him a stable and loving home," said Moore.
If you're interested in adopting or becoming a foster family, call 1-877-I-ADOPT-U.
To meet other children in foster care and discover how you can help restore their hope, please click here.
