At birth, Dima was diagnosed with hydrocephalus. His parents abandoned him at the hospital, leaving him to grow up in an orphanage for disabled children in Ukraine. Despite his struggles, Dima survived, though he couldn’t walk or eat with utensils.
In 2014, war broke out, putting Dima and the other orphans in danger. They were forced to evacuate, wandering without food or water for a week before separatists handed them over to Ukrainian authorities. Malnourished and weak, Dima ended up in a hospital, where doctors doubted he would survive.
A priest prayed for a family to adopt him, and Ernest and Ruth Chaves from Vermont answered the call. They adopted Dima, now named Zebadiah. In Vermont, he thrived—learning to eat, walk, and speak. Doctors believe he has a bright future. Zebadiah’s journey is a testament to resilience, love, and second chances!
