Friday, October 05, 2007

Couple honored for adopting Cambodian girl with genetic disorder

Maya Hughes (née Rath Srey Mom), center, stands with parents Susan Potter and Mark Hughes on Friday at their Gardiner home. (Photo by Joe Phelan, Morning Sentinel)

October 4, 2007

Associated Press

PORTLAND, Maine --A Gardiner couple who adopted a Cambodian infant who was brought to the U.S. for treatment of an extremely rare genetic disorder were among this year's recipients of the Angels in Adoption Award.

Mark Hughes and Susan Potter were among adoptive parents from around the country who were honored Thursday in Washington, D.C. by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute.

Through a newspaper story, Potter became aware of the girl, now named Maya, who at 23 months weighed only 10 pounds when she arrived from Cambodia in 2000 for treatment for Pallister-Hall syndrome, a disorder that usually causes malformations of numerous parts of the body.

Maya received five months of advanced treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital and had six major surgeries.

Touched by the girl's story, Potter and Hughes applied to adopt her. Now 9, Maya is a healthy fourth-grader who enjoys gymnastics.

Sen. Susan Collins, who nominated the couple for the award, said Maya's story was "truly touching. I was very impressed with Susan and Mark for all that they have done to ensure that Mya grows up a happy and healthy child."

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

My hat off for Mark & Susan Potter for their noble task. Thank you !!!

Anonymous said...

Excellento Mark and Susan!!!

Every rich Cambodian in Srok Khmer should adopt an ophan.

Anonymous said...

I'm v8,who said westerner doesen't have a heart?thank you!Mark & Suan potter,and to all manny other.we khmer love westerner.

Anonymous said...

Sound okay by me, but no deporting please.

joe said...

this guy destroys family's cheats on wife i look to see if this kid is in the right home