When baby Vasilina was born with limb differences—missing her left hand and having only two fingers on her right—her biological mother chose to abandon her. Sadly, this isn’t uncommon for children born with special needs.

But Vasilina’s story took a beautiful turn.

Chris and Elmira Knutsen, a kind-hearted couple already raising three kids (one adopted, another with disabilities), heard about her and felt compelled to help. They went through a long, difficult adoption process—and brought Vasilina home.

Now, surrounded by love, Vasilina is thriving. Though she and her siblings sometimes face stares and unkind words, the Knutsens have taught them strength, kindness, and pride in who they are.

Because of one family’s open hearts, Vasilina got the chance every child deserves—a chance to be loved, accepted, and to shine.