More support for families of limb different kids

For the last almost nine years since Jordan was born, I’ve craved community. I founded Born Just Right to help connect with families and help share the lessons we’ve learned about growing up with limb differences with others. But I know I can only offer some perspective and support. That’s why I am thrilled to see an international effort kick off today to try and build bigger guidance and support services.

A fundraising campaign kicks off today with the leadership of a number of organizations in Europe focused on helped anyone challenged by limb differences, EDRIC (European Dysmelia Reference Information Centre). The group is raising money to create a thorough resource for parents around the world who have children with limb differences. It’s also a chance to provide community so they don’t feel alone. The “What If? – Your Baby Has a Limb Difference” campaign is raising money to help make it happen.

Obviously, this campaign piqued my interest since building community and offering resources to other limb different families was my goal from the very start. So I reached out to EDRIC and asked if the Born Just Right community could benefit. EDRIC was founded in Europe and the majority (but not all) of Born Just Right’s readers are in the United States.

The director of EDRIC, Geoff Adams-Spink, let me know the campaign is for all parents around the world. Resources will be offered in five languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German. The second stage of the campaign could have an even bigger impact. Adams-Spink tells me EDRIC plans to develop a peer network in 2015 that will help match new parents around the world with people with limb differences or parents who have experience in raising limb different kids. I’m so excited to see that happen.

If you’re interested in learning more or donating to the campaign, EDRIC launched the fundraiser on Indiegogo. They’re hoping to raise close to $40,000. I am so happy to see an opportunity to bring the limb difference world even closer together.