According to Community Partners of Dallas President/CEO Paige McDaniel,
“Recently I met the most beautiful 10-month-old baby. His eyes sparkled with hope, and he had a dazzling smile. His name is Diego and I met him in our emergency resource center, the Rainbow Room. When Diego entered protective care, the doctors who examined him estimated that he had sustained at least 17 fractures. They described the injuries on his arms and legs as the type typically caused by forceful gabbing and twisting of an infant’s limbs, along with other injuries caused by blunt force trauma. This precious baby had bruises on his torso that mimicked the shape of fingers.
“I am so grateful that neighbors in the apartment complex were brave enough to report suspected abuse. And I’m so grateful for the Child Protective Investigations caseworker who bravely intervened and removed Diego from a home where he was being tortured instead of loved.
“When Diego and his caseworker visited CPD’s Rainbow Room, he had been released from the hospital and was on his way to meet his new caretaker, his paternal aunt. We were able to load him up with new clothes, a play yard, a car seat, toys, formula, diapers and more. We all passed him around, wanting to shower Diego with love. He cooed and joyfully went to each new adult flashing that fantastically charming smile.
“It is because of our generous donors that Community Partners of Dallas has been able to help 15,000 children each year. However, times are tough and our families are struggling to make ends meet. This year we have fulfilled a record-breaking 40% more emergency requests and as a result are in need of additional support.
“My wish this holiday season is for the community to continue to help us serve the abused and neglected children of Dallas County, like Diego, with donations. Every day your support of CPD provides what abused children need today to thrive tomorrow.
“Thank you and happy holidays to all!”
