This week's Wednesday's Child highlights Christian, a 12-year-old boy who has lived through adversity that no one should have to endure, let alone a young child. But he will not let the hardships of his past affect his future. And he has bright one.
Whether his passion for basketball takes him to the NBA or his interest in social studies leads him into the classroom as a history teacher, Christian would like to start at ASU after graduating high school. He works hard to achieve this goal.
Clouds are also of interest to this seventh grader, so perhaps a career in meteorology is on the horizon. "I like Monsoon month, and it's coming up so there will be a lot of cumulonimbus clouds, which are one of my favorite types," he said during an interview at Core CrossFit in downtown Phoenix.
At school, Christian is a studious, active and social kid with a lot of friends. "We are class clowns but follow directions at the same time so we don't get in trouble. We play football and soccer, and hang out. I like to be outside most of the time, get my exercise for the day, go home and get a good night's sleep."
Christian brings fun, laughter, inquisitiveness and the love of learning to a family. He would like a mom and a dad who are active with the kids and enjoy the outdoors. He strives for success in life and hopes to find a family to support, respect and encourage him through the journey.
"He needs a strong family bond and the love that brings. Christian is looking for a positive father figure who can be a solid role model. Someone he can relate to and learn from. He needs a family that will be with him through the good times and through the challenging times," said Tom Allen, Christian's Court Appointed Social Advocate.
"But, what he really needs is love. When he experiences love and good relationships, he blossoms. He laughs and enjoys himself. With the support of a devoted family, his growth potential is exponential," said Allen.
Christian is a polite, funny, ambitious, witty, charming, well-mannered and social kid who is on an eternal quest to learn. He loves playing basketball and often uses it as a coping strategy. He also enjoys football, chess, socializing with friends, listening to music and eating, especially Mexican food, lasagna, and, his number one favorite food of all time - pizza.
He would be a good stepbrother to other members of a family and would love to have a dog.
Christian is a young boy who got a raw deal in life, but he won't let it get him down. Do you have room in your heart this Wednesday's Child?
Watch Christian's story on the Wednesday's Child segment between 4 and 5 p.m. today on Channel 12 (KPNX). For more information on Christian, call Aid to Adoption of Special Kids (AASK) at 602-930-4900, or visit www.aask-az.org.
