Yaoyao’s update from October 2024 to January 2025

PART 4

You might remember our story last year (Yaoyao: A Story of Courage and Hope Part 1-3) about a tiny baby boy who was found under a bridge in China and brought to a nearby orphanage. The orphanage director named him Yaoyao, and at only one-month-old, he was sent to our China Care Home (CCH) in Beijing, where medically fragile children receive nurturing care. The OneSky-trained caregivers rushed him to one of the best hospitals in the city. There, Yaoyao received emergency surgery and months of medical treatment for hydrocephalus, a severe form of Spina Bifida. He also received around-the-clock care from OneSky caregiver Xiaoyan. 

Today, we’re thrilled to report his progress.

Orphanage staff recently brought one-and-a-half-year-old Yaoyao to CCH for his annual medical check-up. Xiaoyan and other caregivers were excited to see him again and prepared to lovingly support him with this next step of his journey. 

At the hospital, the neurologist conducted a thorough examination and gently worked to alleviate pressure on Yaoyao’s brain. “Judging from his brain scan,” the doctor told Xiaoyan, “Yaoyao’s frontal lobe appears normal, and his motor skills look good. With adequate rehabilitation, we should continue to see significant improvement over the next three to four years.” Hearing these words, Xiaoyan was filled with joy and relief.

Following the doctor’s advice, Xiaoyan and her colleague, Caifeng, took turns bringing Yaoyao to a nearby rehabilitation center. Observing the therapist’s process taught them how to continue the work at home. The physical therapist told them, “Our current goal is to build up his lower back and neck strength and improve his head control.”

In just half a month, Yaoyao made remarkable progress, like slowly raising and turning his head and lifting his hips. He also formed a close bond with both Xiaoyan and Caifeng. Whenever they were out of sight, he uttered soft sounds to attract their attention, and when he saw them, he began to babble happily.

CCH is a safe and nurturing place for Yaoyao to work through this crucial phase of development with staff support. Each day, Xiaoyan carries him to the activity room, where he can play with other children facing their own challenges. She reminisces about those months in 2023 when she stayed by Yaoyao’s side after his surgeries while he was battling to stay alive. 

“This once fragile baby has blossomed and is growing stronger every day. My life’s work is to make sure that children like Yaoyao can thrive.”