Woman Saves Then Offers Loving Home to Starving 8-Year Old Orphan Who Weighed Only 8 lbs

In 2015, a compassionate woman named Priscilla Morse embarked on a heartwarming mission to save a little boy named Ryan.

This young orphan, whose fragile image showed him weighing a mere 8 pounds, was in desperate need of love and care. Today, thanks to Priscilla’s nurturing spirit, Ryan’s life has been transformed immeasurably.

Priscilla, a devoted mother to two biological boys, has always had room in her heart for children in need. In 2012, she and her family lovingly welcomed Mckenzie, a young girl from Russia, into their home.

Born with a heart condition and Down Syndrome, three-year-old Mckenzie required a special kind of attention that the Morse family was eager to provide. Eventually, they made it official by adopting her.

Destined to Help

In 2014, Priscilla came across a photograph that she could not ignore. The image depicted a severely malnourished child who looked more like an infant than a six-year-old boy.

This boy, soon to be named Ryan, was languishing in a Bulgarian orphanage and needed immediate intervention to survive. For Priscilla, coming to his rescue felt like a divine calling—a mission she was determined to undertake.

In Priscilla’s own words, “I don’t know how to describe it, but you look at them and you just know. We decided long ago that if we were going to adopt, it would be for the kids no one was coming for—children in developing countries who are often hidden away in orphanages.”

Thankfully, Priscilla’s husband, David, shared her commitment to rescuing Ryan. Unified in their purpose, the couple began the trying journey of an international adoption, determined to bring Ryan to his new home.

Ryan’s Arrival

By November 2015, the Morse family had completed the necessary arrangements. Priscilla made the journey to Bulgaria to bring her new son, Ryan, home with her. At seven years old, Ryan shockingly weighed just 8 pounds—a reflection of his dire condition.

“He was all skin and bones,” Priscilla remembered. “The first thought I had was, ‘he’s not going to survive.’”

Ryan was plagued by numerous medical challenges, including club feet, cerebral palsy, and scoliosis. Additionally, he faced microcephaly, a condition affecting his head size and brain growth. Priscilla and David recognized the urgency of addressing these myriad issues, and upon their return to the United States, Ryan was admitted to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.

“The doctors were so touched by his condition that many of them were moved to tears,” Priscilla recounted.

“I had never seen medical professionals react that way before,” she added.

Ryan spent a month hospitalized as he battled multiple health concerns. Doctors diagnosed him with refeeding syndrome, complicating his ability to take in nutrients and resulting in frequent vomiting.

“It was a challenging time,” Priscilla acknowledged. “Yet you have to push through each day and do what’s necessary, even in the face of serious difficulties.”

Ryan’s Renewed Life

Despite the difficulties they faced and Ryan’s specific medical needs, Priscilla and her family never let go of hope. With perseverance, the medical team was able to equip Ryan with a feeding tube, which was instrumental in ensuring he received the proper nutrition.

As Ryan’s health improved, the family began addressing his other medical issues. Over time, Ryan underwent several surgeries and experienced a remarkable transformation.

Even though Ryan still has some way to go in his recovery process, the progress he has made is nothing short of miraculous.

“There’s much left to do,” Priscilla admitted. “Seven years of neglect can’t be overcome overnight.”

Priscilla also wanted to share an important message: “Every child deserves a loving family,” she insisted. “No child should be disregarded because of special needs or perceived challenges. Life is full of obstacles anyway, so we adapt and evolve, because these children are incredibly special and deserving of love.”