As heartbreaking as it is to imagine, baby Nora tested positive for cocaine at birth.  Her mother used drugs while this little angel was growing inside her and the destructive effects would impair this child for the rest of her life.  The children were removed from their parents and arrived tired, hungry and developmentally challenged at the door of the St. Jude’s Ranch for Children Emergency Shelter.

The scars of their little lives lay apparent in the faces of all three, but it was little Nora who bore the brunt of the damage.  Spending nearly all of her short life bound to a baby carrier, Nora’s movements were stiff and pained.  She was unable to move her body like most babies her age, unable to roll over and explore the wonderful and exciting new world that lay before her.

Like all children who arrive at St. Jude’s Emergency Children's Shelter, these little wonders were shown affection and love in a nurturing, therapeutic enviroment.  Never having developed trust in adults, Marcus, Maria and Nora had to adjust to the generous supply of food, clothing and devotion that the well trained and dedicated staff offered them.  Slowly, the children began to build relationships with the staff and began to learn how to trust.

Just as the new and loving place was becoming familiar and comfortable,  Marcus, the eldest and the backbone of the family, was sent back to live with his father.  When he was told, he asked “Why are they doing this?  They promised me they would not split us up!  My sisters need me now and I won’t be here to take care of them.”  The staff at St. Jude’s was struck by this plea from a small 9 year old boy and assured him they would care for Maria and Nora while he was gone.  Everything would be all right. And it was.

Some months later the two girls, Maria and Nora, were placed with suitable family members.  Although they did not live with Marcus, they were safe and visited with him regularly. 

During their time at St. Jude’s, all three children were provided therapeutic services and consistent, unwavering support and nurturing.  The result was that they made significant progress developmentally.  Because of the caring support Marcus, Maria and Nora received at St. Jude’s Ranch, they have gone on to make happy childhood memories that will forever include the place they first experienced what it feels like to be truly cared for, safe and loved – St. Jude’s Ranch for Children Emergency Shelter.