In 1989, a special project was begun as a way to thank donors who contributed $1,000 or more annually to Any Baby Can. Hence, the Annual Doll Campaign was born. Each year one child is selected to serve as the model and namesake for the Annual Doll Campaign. The child and his or her family represent all children and families served by Any Baby Can.
When the child has been selected and a doll has been handcrafted in their likeness, members of the staff go into the community and ask individuals, organizations, businesses and foundations to “adopt’ this doll for a $1,000 donation. Each contributor then receives a symbol of the children they are helping: a one-of-a-kind porcelain doll. At the completion of this campaign, contributors are presented with the Doll during the “Adoption” Luncheon held at the Historic Menger Hotel. This tradition has endured for over 20 years, raising close to $100,000 annually.
When Rosio Castro’s infant daughter, Rihanna, turned six months old,
she was diagnosed with an ear infection. Then another. And another.
By the time Rihanna was one and a half years old, she had suffered
42 serious ear infections.
There are numerous deadly bacterial infections that can befall a person. Rosio knows them all because Rihanna has contracted 14 different infections, often simultaneously, including RSV, H. flu, pneumonia and MRSA. Finally, after incessant testing, Rihanna was diagnosed with an immunodeficiency disease. She does not produce antibodies, making her susceptible to infection.
Her condition is rare and doctors cannot find the source of her disease. Currently, she is undergoing an experimental treatment, getting plasma transfusions every three to four weeks. The regimen is rigorous. She is hydrated for two hours; given medication for two hours, then transfused with plasma for a four-hour period. “The hope is that this procedure will boost her immunity and her body will learn to produce white cells. The outcome is a big question mark,” her mom says.
Rihanna has undergone a lifetime of health problems … and she is just three years old. Amazingly, she does not cry or complain, even though Rosio says the constant ear infections “made her feel as if she was under water all the time.” Such misery could have produced a sad, grumpy baby, “but she is the happiest baby you ever saw … she is good natured, calm and always smiling.”
Any Baby Can has helped her with rent, utilities, a car seat, food, diapers, clothing, Holiday Giving, and other resources. Genevieve Brock, Case Manager, says. “This mom is stretched thin, but she is maintaining herself and pushing through. We are so glad we can help them.”
Rosio says, “Words cannot describe how great Any Baby Can has been to me. Genevieve is awesome!”
Every year, 9,000 individuals look to Any Baby Can to provide comprehensive assistance for children born with a chronic illness, developmental delay, health risk or challenge. Our belief is that every child deserves a chance to live a happy, healthy life. We feel that by serving the needs of the family, we serve the child.
Click here to see dolls from prior years.
