More teens, siblings, and children with health issues are being adopted in Brazil than ever before. Encouraging research in the country shows that the collaborative efforts of the Brazilian government and the National Association for Adoption, which includes more than 210 non-profit organizations (like Pontes de Amor and many other World Without Orphans Brazil partners), are turning the tide in these adoptions.
One of the creative ways in which they have been able to help find families for sibling groups, older children, and those with special needs has been through partnerships with famous Brazilian football (soccer) teams. Videos were created to safely introduce adoptable children and their dreams to others and then shown during football games and on teams' social media. Millions suddenly became aware of the great need for these teens to be adopted. Many teens could receive their wish – a safe and loving family in which to belong.
Cruzeiro, a well-known national football team in Brazil, was one of the teams participating in this program. Not only did they help raise awareness, but they also had a role in fulfilling the dreams of a 16-year-old named Carlos. Carlos was confined to a wheelchair due to a degenerative disease, but that didn’t stop him from dreaming. A big fan of the Cruzeiro team, Carlos had three dreams: to have a family, to see the beach, and to get to know the Cruzeiro football players.
When he and some other youth attended a Cruzeiro game, it looked like he might get the chance to fulfill one of them when the others went out to play with the team on the field. Carlos, however, soon found yet another obstacle in his way, and this time, it was his wheelchair that impeded his access to the soccer field. As he watched from the sidelines, he might have given up hope, but God heard and answered his prayer. The entire Cruzeiro team noticed him and decided to go to him since he couldn’t come out to them. Carlos ended up being the only one who had his picture taken with the entire team!
But that wasn’t the end of God fulfilling Carlos’ dreams. The video of Carlos in this program was seen by a family from the south coast of Brazil who decided to adopt him. Though Carlos has sadly passed away, he was well-loved and cared for by his adoptive family during his last year of life.