From Abandoned to Advocate, Riley Shares Her Story in Hope of Saving More Babies
WGN News, Ill In Illinois 160 newborn babies have been safely relinquished under the ‘Safe Haven Act’ that allows a parent to anonymously handover a baby 30 days or younger to any hospital, police or fire station, without fear of prosecution.
Riley Dunnett was baby No. 64.
It’s a story that began exactly this time of year 14 years ago.
Riley had been relinquished by her biological mother to Illinois Masonic Hospital. Three days later she officially joined The Dunnett family of four.
“The bond between me and other kids who were adopted through Safe Haven, we just feel like family because we all came from the same thing. We all have the same experience and I’ll have a little place in our heart that we love Safe Haven and want to tell more people about it.”
~ Riley Dunnett
She is using her own story to support and increase awareness for other mothers in similar situations
Riley mentors other Safe Haven kids and advocated for local organization ‘Save Abandoned Babies. She has raised over $2,000 through a school charity walk to get the word out.
“It makes my heart break for the parents that have needed to use the Safe Haven law, but want to thank them for trusting the law – and to see the end result.”
– Dawn Geras, Founder, Save Abandoned Babies Foundation
Hospital personnel presented A.J. with an outfit for the doll she cradled in her lap, a water bottle and other gifts. A.J. said that even though she lives now in Boston, when the Red Sox play the Cubs or White Sox, she’s rooting for the Chicago team.
