Dr. Jennifer Mitchell fell in love with Bulgaria when she and her husband visited the country in 2017 to adopt their 2 year old daughter. When they received her file, they were told that she was entirely crib bound, could not walk, talk or eat solid foods, and that she would require “life-long care”. They were warned that she would never walk and that she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and mental delays. Two years later, after much love, practice, attention, and the support of family, not only is their daughter, Luci, walking, but she is running! She has also learned how to speak English and goes to public school.

Dr. Mitchell shares: “Throughout the journey of Luci’s adoption I have become dedicated to improving the medical services and physical therapy opportunities for orphans and children with special needs in Bulgaria. After seeing what our daughter has been able to accomplish, with the support of trained doctors and physical therapists, plus adoptive parents and siblings who believe in her potential, I am inspired to help bring medical and physical therapy opportunities to as many institutionalized Bulgarian children as possible. I know that many crib-bound orphans can learn to walk with the right help and support from our physical therapists in Bulgaria. I am also excited to be a major contributor in opening our Maternity Clinic for underprivileged pregnant girls and women in Plovdiv, as a part of our Abandonment Prevention Programs! As a doctor and an adoptive mom, I am so honored to be the Medical Director and a member of the One Heart Bulgaria family. I am proud of all the amazing things we are accomplishing in Bulgaria and look forward to what the future holds for this country that I love!”

Jennifer and her husband are in the process of adopting another child, this time a 9 year old boy.

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