# Izidor Ruckel > Orphan Advocate Language: en URL: https://izidorruckel.com/ All pages on this site are available as clean Markdown by adding the header `Accept: text/markdown` to any HTTP request, or via the REST API: REST API: https://izidorruckel.com/wp-json/mescio-for-agents/v1/markdown?url={page_url} REST API (by id): https://izidorruckel.com/wp-json/mescio-for-agents/v1/markdown?id={post_id} ## Pages - [Către toti prietenii din România](https://izidorruckel.com/for-our-romanian-friends/): Către toti prietenii din România Vă mulţumim pentru mesaje şi interesul manifestat faţă de Izidor Ruckel! În 1991 la vârsta de 11 ani Izidor a fost adoptat de o familie de americani. În orfelinat nu a avut ocazia să înveţe - [Login Designer](https://izidorruckel.com/login-designer/): This page is used by Login Designer to preview the login form in the Customizer. - [Short film moved](https://izidorruckel.com/short-film-moved/): The short film has moved Everything related to IZIDOR, the short film about Izidor's day outside the orphanage, is now at: IzidorStory.com Film information How to watch the film Use the film in your organization IzidorStory.com - [Home page](https://izidorruckel.com/): No heat. No toys. No education. Scraps of food. Could you imagine being beaten for the simplest things you did? Could you imagine seeing your friends die of starvation? Or knowing a friend who just gave up on living because - [Izidor Story, LLC](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story/): Private: Dev Page Our mission Izidor Story, LLC promotes the true story of Izidor Ruckel for the purpose of advocating for vulnerable children worldwide. By turning Izidor's life story into a short film and limited series, both entitled IZIDOR, we - [Izidor Limited Series](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-limited-series-2/): A disabled orphan escapes a hellish Romanian orphanage through adoption, only to grow up and discover he still isn’t free. LIMITED SERIES: Watch this 5-minute clip of Izidor revealing why post-Communist Romania had so many abandoned children and Izidor's goals for - [All about orphans](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story/all-about-orphans/): Private: Dev Page Izidor Story, LLC seeks to raise awareness regarding a regularly abused and neglected people group: orphans. Special needs orphans are especially vulnerable to maltreatment. Our passion is to initiate global change in how the world approaches orphans, - [Shop](https://izidorruckel.com/shop/): Private: Copy of Shop Even the Sparrow Has Found a Home Abandoned for Life Even the Sparrow Has Found a Home Even the Sparrow Has Found a Home is a 140-page documentary photography book by Tom Szalay. The photos begin in - [Speaking](https://izidorruckel.com/speaking/): Speaking Izidor is a sought-after speaker, utilizing his life story to educate and encourage audiences to participate in orphan care. Over the last twenty years, Izidor's work on behalf of vulnerable children has taken him to dozens of states across - [Izidor Ruckel](https://izidorruckel.com/meet-izidor/): Private: Dev Page Brief biography Izidor Ruckel is the author of Abandoned for Life, which reveals his life as a neglected Romanian orphan and ensuing adoption by an American family, and the producer of the two-time award-winning documentary Given Our - [Izidor story team](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story-team/): Izidor Story Team The Izidor Story team came together due to their collective passion to address the global human rights issues orphans inherently face. We believe elevating Izidor's true story to a platform that can be easily accessed through worldwide, - [John Upton](https://izidorruckel.com/john-upton/): Private: Dev Page John Upton with several orphans he rescued (Tom Szalay) On October 5, 1990, San Diego resident John Upton saw the alarming ABC News 20/20 report on secret Romanian asylums that were warehousing thousands of special needs children - [Contact us](https://izidorruckel.com/contact-us/): Contact us Send us a message: We are not a brick and mortar store and don't keep regular business hours. We will respond to messages within 2 business days. - [News](https://izidorruckel.com/news/) - [Press releases](https://izidorruckel.com/news/press-releases/) - [Terms of service](https://izidorruckel.com/terms-of-service/): Terms of use Please wait while the policy is loaded. 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If it does not load, please click here to view the policy. ## Blog Posts - [IZIDOR’s Big Summer 2025](https://izidorruckel.com/izidors-big-summer-2025/) (2025-09-15): IZIDOR moves audiences around the world to tears, laughter, and most importantly - action. - [‘izidor’ Review: Iosua Barbu is a marvel in the role of Izidor](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-iosua-barbu-is-a-marvel-in-the-role-of-izidor/) (2025-06-04): Dirty Movies (DMovies) says IZIDOR is a movie that reminds adults of their inner child. - [Film Daily: Hope wins](https://izidorruckel.com/film-daily-hope-wins/) (2025-05-29): Film Daily interviews director David Kabbe on the power of courageous kindness. - [Indie Wrap: Some films don’t just entertain — they move us.](https://izidorruckel.com/indie-wrap-some-films-dont-just-entertain-they-move-us/) (2025-05-28): Indie Wrap asks director David Kabbe and writer/producer/actress Sarah Padbury what brought each of them to tell Izidor's story. - [‘izidor’ Review: A fairy tale in the modern age](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-a-fairy-tale-in-the-modern-age/) (2025-05-26): Movie Blogger film critic Federico Furzan reviews IZIDOR. - [Film Fugitives: Director David Kabbe on Romania’s sordid history](https://izidorruckel.com/film-fugitives-director-david-kabbe-on-romanias-sordid-history/) (2025-05-03): Film Fugitives movie critic Pramit Chatterjee interviews David Kabbe about working with child actors, animation and the real meaning of the movie IZIDOR. - [‘izidor’ Review: A stunning depiction of one child’s shot at escaping state-inflicted shame](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-a-stunning-depiction-of-one-childs-shot-at-escaping-state-inflicted-shame-and-isolation/) (2025-04-30): Rotten Tomatoes accredited global critic Ronak Kotecha reviews IZIDOR. - [‘izidor’ Review: A whisper from the shadows of history](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-a-whisper-from-the-shadows-of-history/) (2025-04-22): GHMovie Freak film critic reviews IZIDOR, giving it a 5/5 star review! "IZIDOR uncovers a forgotten injustice..." - [Bond on Cinema: What happens when Izidor experiences family for the first time?](https://izidorruckel.com/bond-on-cinema-what-happens-when-izidor-experiences-family-for-the-first-time/) (2025-04-21): YouTube film critic Ward Bond hosts an in-depth interview with David Kabbe and Sarah Padbury. - [‘izidor’ Review: Get That Movie](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-get-that-movie/) (2025-04-10): Get That Movie film critic and YouTuber Ale Turdo reviews IZIDOR, giving it a 9/10 star review... - [‘izidor’ Review:  A Tender Glimpse into a Hidden Past](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-a-tender-glimpse-into-a-hidden-past/) (2025-04-05): Scene for Scene film critic Reina K gives IZIDOR a 4.5-star review. "In just under thirty minutes, IZIDOR manages to stir the soul, break your heart, and gently piece it back together again..." - [‘izidor’ Review: A Short Film That Hits Like a Sledgehammer](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-a-short-film-that-hits-like-a-sledgehammer/) (2025-04-05): Action Reloaded film critic Jeff Turner gives IZIDOR a 5-star review, calling it "unmissable"! - [‘izidor’ Review: An artfully sincere homage to survivors](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-an-artfully-sincere-homage-to-survivors/) (2025-03-28): Cinemacy founder and film critic Morgan Rojas reviews IZIDOR. - [Authority Magazine: Things I wish someone told me](https://izidorruckel.com/authority-magazine-sarah-padbury-of-izidor-story-things-i-wish-someone-told-me-when-i-first-became-a-filmmaker/) (2025-03-14): Authority Magazine interviews writer/producer Sarah Padbury about her journey from advocating for children through adoption to writing and producing the film IZIDOR. - [Grit Daily: Conversation with Indie Filmmaker David Kabbe](https://izidorruckel.com/grit-daily-conversation-with-indie-filmmaker-david-kabbe-izidor-film/) (2025-03-04): Grit Daily interviews director David Kabbe about the struggle to secure funding for independent films and the use of AI to augment animation. - [Romania Insider: From hopelessness to hope](https://izidorruckel.com/romania-insider-a-romanian-orphanage-survivors-path-to-healing-in-izidor-a-short-film/) (2025-02-17): Romania Insider interviews producer Izidor Ruckel, director David Kabbe, and lead actress Sarah Padbury about the new short film, IZIDOR. - [IZIDOR the film is finished!](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-film-finished/) (2024-11-24): IZIDOR, the short film, finishes production. Read what is planned next and how to view the 30-minute movie. - [Libertatae (video): Sighetu Marmatiei, Romania](https://izidorruckel.com/libertatae-video-sighetu-marmatiei-romania/) (2023-09-12): LIBERTATAE follows Izidor in his hometown of Sighetu Marmatiei as settles into a new home and looks for work. (English with Romanian subs.) - [Libertatea (article): Sighetu Marmatiei, Romania](https://izidorruckel.com/libertatea-sighetu-marmatiei-romania/) (2023-09-12): LIBERTATAE interviews Izidor in his hometown of Sighetu Marmatiei about his efforts to live in Romania in 2023. - [IZIDOR Production Update (Spring 2023)](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-production-update-spring-2023/) (2023-03-24): Izidor Ruckel, David Kabbe (Director) and Sarah Padbury (Producer) provide an update on the production timeline and fundraising effort. - [“All of Life” Podcast: The Power of Belonging](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-producer-podcast-interview/) (2022-05-13): Sarah Padbury, producer and writer of the short film IZIDOR, participates in a panel discussion on belonging and hospitality on the "All of Life" podcast at Redemption Church Tempe (Arizona). - [Short film update: GREAT news!](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story-report-from-romania-filming/) (2021-11-03): The IZIDOR production team gives an overview of their 5-week timeline to shoot the live action sequences in Romania, including first hiring actors and finding locations! - [REAL BOY FOR A DAY: A short film](https://izidorruckel.com/real-boy-for-a-day-a-short-film/) (2021-05-21): In December 2020, we announced we had entered pre-production for the narrative limited series IZIDOR, based on the true story of Izidor Ruckel. Now, we are pleased to announce we will preview the series with a short film called REAL - [“Your Day Brighter” Podcast: Izidor Ruckel’s Incredible Journey to Healing](https://izidorruckel.com/abandoned-adopted-advocate-izidor-ruckels-incredible-journey-to-healing/) (2021-01-27): Tracey Tiernan interviews orphan advocate Izidor Ruckel and screenwriter Sarah Padbury on her podcast, "Your day brighter: Real reasons to have hope in this world." The duo discuss how they met, Izidor's journey from orphan to advocate, and how they - [IZIDOR limited series begins pre-production!](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-limited-series-begins-pre-production/) (2020-12-16): The time has come! I never could have imagined this when I was ten. Izidor looks out his old window in 2015. Back then, I remember staring out the orphanage window for hours at a time, wondering if there was - [[ROMANIAN Translation] The Atlantic: Can an unloved child learn to love?](https://izidorruckel.com/romanian-translation-the-atlantic-can-and-unloved-child-learn-to-love/) (2020-07-17): The Atlantic's July 2020 feature article by Melissa Greene about Izidor Ruckel was translated into Romanian by DOR, Romania's leading magazine of literary nonfiction. It includes new photos of Izidor's journey. Read the story here in Romanian. Read the original story - [The Atlantic: Can an unloved child learn to love?](https://izidorruckel.com/the-atlantic-can-an-uloved-child-learn-to-love/) (2020-06-18): The Atlantic takes a deep dive into Izidor Ruckel's story of surviving a horrific Romanian orphanage. Presenting comprehensive analysis of institutionalized children from experts, the almost 9,000-word story is the most in-depth look to date of what he and tens - [Ruckel attends Romanian premiere of ‘The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman’](https://izidorruckel.com/ruckel-attends-romanian-premiere-of-the-story-of-us-with-morgan-freeman-and-heads-back-to-the-u-s/) (2018-01-16): Ruckel ends two years' service with successful event On January 10th, Izidor Ruckel attended the Romanian premiere of The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman in Bucharest. The event, held in Cinema Pro’s largest theater, drew over 400 people, including - [Morgan Freeman interviews Izidor Ruckel for new docuseries](https://izidorruckel.com/morgan-freeman-interviews-izidor-ruckel-for-new-docuseries/) (2017-10-02): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Morgan Freeman interviews Izidor Ruckel for new docuseriesThe Story of Us with Morgan Freeman highlights the power of love with Ruckel’s story LOS ANGELES, Calif., October 2, 2017 – Morgan Freeman interviewed Izidor Ruckel for the six-part docuseries The - [Izidor Ruckel intervievat de Morgan Freeman pentru un serial de televiziune](https://izidorruckel.com/1461-2/) (2017-10-02): PENTRU  DISTRIBUȚIE IMEDIATA Izidor Ruckel intervievat de Morgan Freeman pentru un serial de televiziune"Povestea noastră" cu Morgan Freeman evidențiază puterea dragostei prin povestea lui Izidor Ruckel. LOS ANGELES, Calif., 2 Octombrie, 2017 – Morgan Freeman la intervievat pe Ruckel pentru un - [BAMA Mediaworks: Budapest, Hungary](https://izidorruckel.com/bama-mediaworks-budapest-hungary/) (2017-08-23): Izidor Ruckel is interviewed regarding a report by the Romanian Prosecutor's Office on the Crime of Communism (IICCMER), which documents the era's lack of care for orphans. (Story archived.) - [Antena 1 Observator: Bucharest, Romania](https://izidorruckel.com/antena-1-observator-bucharest-romania/) (2017-06-01): Izidor, supravieţuitorul din „Orfelinatul Groazei“ din Sighetu Marmaţiei: Există copii care. The Observator interviews Izidor Ruckel about the long-term effects of orphanage life. Watch the interview here. - [Izidor’s first 10 months in Romania – and counting!](https://izidorruckel.com/izidors-first-10-months-in-romania-and-counting/) (2017-02-14): In April 2016, as Izidor was packing up to head back to the United States after a one-month visit to Romania, he received a one-year job offer from Love Light Romania (LLR). Izidor decided to stay and work with the - [Mix Actual: Brașov, Romania](https://izidorruckel.com/mix-actual-brasov-romania/) (2016-09-27): Izidor Ruckel and Azota Popescu (left) of the Catharsis Association interview on Mix Actual inBrașov, Romania. Watch the full interview here. - [Breaking News: Izidor Ruckel moves to Romania](https://izidorruckel.com/breaking-news-izidor-ruckel-moves-to-romania/) (2016-04-25): BUCHAREST, ROMANIA>> In a Bucharest apartment last week, Izidor Ruckel was packing to return to the United States when his phone buzzed. “Hi Izidor, sorry do not want to disturb you, I know you are busy,” said the text message. - [ProTV’s La Măruţă: Bucharest, Romania](https://izidorruckel.com/protvs-la-maruta-bucharest-romania/) (2016-04-18): Izidor, filmul copiilor salvati din Iad Cătălin Măruță, well-known host of the talk show "La Măruță," interviewed Izidor Ruckel and his manager, Sarah Padbury, about Izidor's efforts to turn his life story into a film. Watch the interview here. - [BBC News: London, United Kingdom](https://izidorruckel.com/bbc-news-london-united-kingdom-uk/) (2016-04-06): The Brixton Broadcasting Corporation (BBC News) interviewed Izidor Ruckel about growing up in a Romanian orphanage. View the story on BBC News. (4 minutes) Listen to the BBC Radio interview. (11 minutes) - [BBC Radio: London, United Kingdom](https://izidorruckel.com/bbc-radio-interviews-izidor-ruckel/) (2016-03-29): BBC Radio in-depth interview with Izidor Ruckel on Mar. 28, 2016 about institutionalized life in Communist Romania. Listen to the BBC Radio interview. (11 minutes) View the BBC News story. (4 minutes) - [Los Angeles Times: Former Romanian orphan in the U.S. helps…](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-ruckel-featured-in-los-angeles-times/) (2016-01-04): Los Angeles Times reporter John M. Glionna traveled to Colorado in 2015 to interview Izidor Ruckel. The meeting reunited Glionna and Ruckel for the first time since 1991. Glionna's first story covered Ruckel's transition into his new adoptive family after arriving in America at - [Izidor Ruckel reveals new film on live radio show](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-ruckel-interviewed-on-stacy-petty-show-movie-sarah-padbury-radio/) (2015-08-08): Izidor Ruckel and his manager, Sarah Padbury, participated in a two-hour radio interview on the Stacy Petty Show on Friday, Aug. 7. The live broadcast is a daily show on 1310 KFKA, a news talk AM radio station, based in Greeley, Colo., within reach of one million - [TVR: Bucharest, Romania](https://izidorruckel.com/tvr-bucharest-romania/) (2015-07-15): Abandonaţi pe viaţă. Poveşti din orfelinatele groazei. Izidor Ruckel, several other adoptees, and government officials discuss Romanian international adoption issues. Watch the TVR story here. - [Izidor Ruckel concludes 2-month tour of Romania](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-ruckel-concludes-2-month-tour-of-romania-orphan-florica-popescu-oradea-brasov-bucharest-protv/) (2015-05-30): Izidor Ruckel returned to the United States in early May after a two-month stay in Romania, his birth country. Due to major press coverage around the country and across Europe throughout his trip, citizens began approaching Ruckel in every city - [Radio Transilvania: Cluj, Romania](https://izidorruckel.com/izidors-interview-on-radio-transilvania/) (2015-04-03): Radio Transilvania interview with international adoptees Izidor Ruckel, Veronica Clark and Alex Kush in Cluj, Romania. "My goal in Romania is to create advocacy with citizens within the country.  the purpose for international adoption that I am personally fighting for - [TVR 1: Brașov, Romania](https://izidorruckel.com/salvati-din-orfelinate-acum-vor-ei-sa-ajute-copiii-orfani-din-romania/) (2015-03-21): lvaţi din orfelinate. Acum vor ei să ajute copiii orfani din România A Stirile TVR1 news story announcing Izidor and Alex Kush's speaking engagement in Brașov, Romania. "...After nearly a quarter century, Isidor and Alexander, two young adopted from the former - [Romanian Global News: Bucharest, Romania](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-ruckel-isi-reintalneste-in-romania-familia-biologica-care-l-a-abandonat-si-colegii-din-orfelinatul-groazei-de-la-sighet-la-24-de-ani-de-la-adoptie/) (2015-03-17): Izidor Ruckel îşi reîntâlneşte, în România, familia biologică care l-a abandonat şi colegii din orfelinatul groazei de la Sighet, la 24 de ani de la adopţie Romanian Global News featured Izidor's spring 2015 trip to Romania and his efforts to help - [Izidor Ruckel a hit on live Romanian TV](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-ruckel-a-hit-on-live-romanian-tv/) (2015-03-17): Ruckel’s Facebook page explodes during six nights of live interviews on ProTV’s “La Măruță” Izidor and Marlys visit Tasnad, Romania BUCHAREST, ROMANIA 3/17/15: Izidor Ruckel’s scheduled 2-day interview on ProTV’s “La Măruță” was extended to 6 days on the live - [ProTV’s La Măruţă: Bucharest, Romania](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-ruckel-on-protvs-la-maruta-adoption-international-romania-orphan/) (2015-03-16): On March 9, 2015, Izidor Ruckel was interviewed on live TV by Cătălin Măruţă on ProTV's "La Măruţă" in Bucharest, Romania. His appearance on the show was extended to six days (Mar 9-13 and 16) due to skyrocketing ratings when his adoptive mom, - [Stirile ProTV: Bucharest, Romania](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-s-a-reintalnit-cu-parintii-care-l-au-abandonat-in-orfelinatul-groazei-din-sighet-reactia-mamei-sale-biologice_adoption_romania_ruckel/) (2015-03-12): Izidor s-a reintalnit cu parintii care l-au abandonat in orfelinatul groazei din Sighet. Reactia mamei sale biologice A Stirile ProTV news story featuring Izidor's return to Romania in March 2015 and reunion with his biological parents. "Izidor reunited with parents who - [Stirile ProTV: Bucharest, Romania](https://izidorruckel.com/povestea-lui-izidor-tanarul-salvat-din-iad-acum-20-de-ani-cosmarul-trait-in-caminul-pentru-minori-din-sighetul-marmatiei_ruckel_adoption_romania/) (2015-03-11): Povestea lui Izidor, tanarul salvat din "iad" acum 20 de ani. Cosmarul trait in caminul pentru minori din Sighetul Marmatiei A Stirile ProTV news story featuring Izidor touring his old orphanage with his adoptive mom in March, 2015. "Izidor's story, - [Izidor Ruckel touring Romania with ProTV](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-ruckel-touring-romania-with-protv/) (2015-03-07): Former Romanian orphan visits his old orphanage and birth family BUCHAREST, ROMANIA 3/7/15: Izidor Ruckel, America’s most well-known Romanian adoptee, arrived in Romania March 1. On his first trip back to his home country in a decade, Izidor is spending --- # Full Content --- title: "Login Designer" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/login-designer/" lang: "en-US" type: "page" description: "This page is used by Login Designer to preview the login form in the Customizer." last_modified: "2026-02-13T20:29:58+00:00" --- # Login Designer This page is used by Login Designer to preview the login form in the Customizer. --- --- title: "Short film moved" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/short-film-moved/" lang: "en-US" type: "page" description: "The short film has moved Everything related to IZIDOR, the short film about Izidor's day outside the orphanage, is now at: IzidorStory.com Film information How to watch the film Use the film in your organization IzidorStory.com" last_modified: "2026-02-13T21:30:33+00:00" --- # Short film moved ## The short film has moved Everything related to _IZIDOR_, the short film about Izidor’s day outside the orphanage, is now at: [IzidorStory.com](https://izidorstory.com) - Film information - How to watch the film - Use the film in your organization [![Izidor short film official poster](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IZIDORposter-landscape-1200x800.webp)](https://izidorstory.com) [IzidorStory.com](https://izidorstory.com) --- --- title: "IZIDOR’s Big Summer 2025" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidors-big-summer-2025/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "IZIDOR moves audiences around the world to tears, laughter, and most importantly - action." last_modified: "2025-09-15T21:31:14+00:00" categories: [Press releases, Recommended, Short Film] tags: [Izidor, romania, short film] custom_fields: ast-featured-img: "disabled" --- # IZIDOR’s Big Summer 2025 ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sunlight-laurels1-1200x633.jpg) ### **FILM FESTIVAL SCREENINGS** _IZIDOR_, the powerful short film inspired by true events, has been officially selected for six film festivals to date, including the prestigious **Oscar®-qualifying Cleveland International Film Festival**. “We are honored by the recognition and deeply moved to see how _IZIDOR_ continues to resonate with audiences across the country,” said Sarah Padbury, writer and producer of _IZIDOR_. “This story of resilience and belonging is sparking the conversations we hoped it would.” ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IzidorSarah-at-CIFF-1200x675.jpg)_Izidor Ruckel (producer) and Sarah Padbury (writer/producer) at the Cleveland International Film Festival_ ### **ROMANIA 3-WEEK TOUR** In June 2025, _IZIDOR_ returned to Romania, where Sarah, Izidor, and director/producer David Kabbe hosted **11 private screenings across four cities—Cluj, Bucharest, Timișoara, and Sighetu Marmației**. Each event featured a Q&A with the filmmakers, sparking heartfelt conversations around Romania’s history and the lasting impact of its orphanage system. The response was powerful. We held screenings in a high school for the deaf, a county library, a retreat center, a special needs art program, churches, and multiple theaters. Educators and students, government officials and community advocates expressed strong interest in bringing the film into **universities and high schools** as a meaningful tool for teaching and reflection, especially in psychology and history programs. - ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/4E92EAF7-E36A-4C3E-BBE0-A8C9BCC8CCC6_1_105_c.jpeg) - ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_0948-e1757888256600-1200x892.jpeg) - ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_8891-1200x900.jpeg) - ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_8921-1200x900.jpeg) - ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_9047-1200x900.jpeg) - ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_9633-1200x900.jpeg) ### PRESS AND PEOPLE For complete media coverage and professional movie reviews, click **[here](https://izidorruckel.com/news/).** ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/att.IteYeYa_eRKwmCXRH5bZxIwJ5_I2tCn8rKcoGUIhRoY-e1757890536832-1200x661.jpg)_Izidor shared about the film in several Romanian press interviews._ ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_0969-e1757892096386-1200x673.jpeg)_Dave and Sarah meet with the film’s child actors – now grown up!_ ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_9022-1200x675.jpg)_Izidor speaking with special needs art students after their screening._ ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Post-screening-talk-1200x676.jpg)_One of several post-film discussions._ ## WHAT’S NEXT ### THE IZIDOR COLLECTION The IZIDOR Collection equips child advocates with access to the film _IZIDOR_ and a range of **curated discussion guides**. These resources help organizations adapt the experience to their mission, sparking meaningful dialogue and inspiring action. ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/types-of-partnerships-1200x356.png) **More information coming soon on available discussion guides!** ## WHEN CAN I SEE IT? **IN-PERSON Private Screenings:** Available for **organizations/groups** by contacting Exec. Producer Sarah Padbury (Sarah@IzidorStory.com). ** MOVIE PREMIERE: Public screenings** to be available in 2026 (after the festival circuit). [![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Donate-Button-1200x640.jpeg)](https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/izidor) _Donations are processed by [The Film Collaborative](https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/izidor), a nonprofit offering fiscal sponsorship to filmmakers._ --- --- title: "‘izidor’ Review: Iosua Barbu is a marvel in the role of Izidor" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-iosua-barbu-is-a-marvel-in-the-role-of-izidor/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Dirty Movies (DMovies) says IZIDOR is a movie that reminds adults of their inner child." last_modified: "2025-06-09T01:07:43+00:00" categories: [news, Recommended, Short Film] tags: [Izidor, movie review, orphan, short film] --- # ‘izidor’ Review: Iosua Barbu is a marvel in the role of Izidor _Dirty Movies (DMovies)_ is an online platform that seeks to celebrate and examine cinema that disrupts conventions, provokes thought, and leaves a lasting emotional impact. Their take on IZIDOR fits the bill with a 4.5/5 rating! Read the review [**here**](https://dmovies.org/2025/06/04/izidor/). --- --- title: "Film Daily: Hope wins" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/film-daily-hope-wins/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Film Daily interviews director David Kabbe on the power of courageous kindness." last_modified: "2025-06-09T01:09:18+00:00" categories: [news, Short Film] tags: [Izidor, romania, short film] --- # Film Daily: Hope wins _Film Daily _is an entertainment news magazine. Frankie Stein interviews David Kabbe about the power of courageous kindness. Read the interview [**here**](https://filmdaily.co/indie-film/hope-wins-david-kabbe-on-izidor-and-the-power-of-courageous-kindness/). --- --- title: "Indie Wrap: Some films don’t just entertain — they move us." url: "https://izidorruckel.com/indie-wrap-some-films-dont-just-entertain-they-move-us/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Indie Wrap asks director David Kabbe and writer/producer/actress Sarah Padbury what brought each of them to tell Izidor's story." last_modified: "2025-06-09T00:23:27+00:00" categories: [news, Recommended, Short Film] tags: [interview, Izidor, orphan, romania, short film] --- # Indie Wrap: Some films don’t just entertain — they move us. _Indie Wrap _is an independent film magazine. This interview presents director David Kabbe and writer/producer/actress Sarah Padbury discussing what brought each of them to tell Izidor’s story. Read the interview [**here**](https://indiewrapmag.com/interviews/interview-with-director-david-kabbe-and-producer-writer-and-actress-sarah-padbury/). --- --- title: "‘izidor’ Review: A fairy tale in the modern age" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-a-fairy-tale-in-the-modern-age/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Movie Blogger film critic Federico Furzan reviews IZIDOR." last_modified: "2025-06-08T23:42:37+00:00" categories: [news, Short Film] tags: [movie review, romania, short film] --- # ‘izidor’ Review: A fairy tale in the modern age _Movie Blogger_ film critic Federico Furzan reviews _IZIDOR_. “…a beautiful short film where Izidor finds the light of knowledge, hope and kindness with the help of that angel.” Read the review [**here**](https://www.movie-blogger.com/izidor-2025-short-film-review/). --- --- title: "Film Fugitives: Director David Kabbe on Romania’s sordid history" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/film-fugitives-director-david-kabbe-on-romanias-sordid-history/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Film Fugitives movie critic Pramit Chatterjee interviews David Kabbe about working with child actors, animation and the real meaning of the movie IZIDOR." last_modified: "2025-06-08T23:44:31+00:00" categories: [news, Short Film] --- # Film Fugitives: Director David Kabbe on Romania’s sordid history _Film Fugitives _movie critic Pramit Chatterjee interviews David Kabbe about Romania’s history, working with child actors, the use of animation, and the real meaning of the movie. Read the interview [**here**](https://fugitives.com/interview-izidor-director-david-kabbe-2025/). --- --- title: "‘izidor’ Review: A stunning depiction of one child’s shot at escaping state-inflicted shame" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-a-stunning-depiction-of-one-childs-shot-at-escaping-state-inflicted-shame-and-isolation/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Rotten Tomatoes accredited global critic Ronak Kotecha reviews IZIDOR." last_modified: "2025-06-08T23:55:37+00:00" categories: [news, Short Film] tags: [film review, Izidor, romania, short film] --- # ‘izidor’ Review: A stunning depiction of one child’s shot at escaping state-inflicted shame Rotten Tomatoes accredited global critic Ronak Kotecha reviews _IZIDOR_. “Thanks to some scintillating camerawork, the audience gets to experience the marvel of Onisa’s little town through the eyes of her astonished little guest…” Read the review [**here**](https://reviewron.ae/A-Review-of-Izidor-A-stunning-depiction-of-one-childs-shot-at-escaping-state-inflicted-shame-and-isolation). --- --- title: "‘izidor’ Review: A whisper from the shadows of history" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-a-whisper-from-the-shadows-of-history/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "GHMovie Freak film critic reviews IZIDOR, giving it a 5/5 star review! \"IZIDOR uncovers a forgotten injustice...\"" last_modified: "2025-06-08T23:45:13+00:00" categories: [news, Short Film, Uncategorized] --- # ‘izidor’ Review: A whisper from the shadows of history _GHMovie Freak_ film critic Tony Asankomah reviews _IZIDOR_, giving it a **5/5 star review**. “_IZIDOR_ uncovers a forgotten injustice….it is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to at least try to make a difference. Even if it’s in the life of just one person.” Read the review [**here**](https://ghmoviefreak.com/short-film-review-izidor-a-whisper-from-the-shadows-of-history/). --- --- title: "Bond on Cinema: What happens when Izidor experiences family for the first time?" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/bond-on-cinema-what-happens-when-izidor-experiences-family-for-the-first-time/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "YouTube film critic Ward Bond hosts an in-depth interview with David Kabbe and Sarah Padbury." last_modified: "2025-06-09T01:16:01+00:00" categories: [news, Recommended, Short Film] --- # Bond on Cinema: What happens when Izidor experiences family for the first time? The “Bond on Cinema” YouTube Channel is an eclectic collection of in-depth long form interviews with filmmakers from around the world. Host Ward Bond interviews Director David Kabbe and Writer/Producer/Actress Sarah Padbury in their first comprehensive interview about the short film, IZIDOR. “…[Izidor] can now tough the dream he could only see from the window…” – Ward Bond Watch the interview [**here**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poyYhyVPPF8). --- --- title: "‘izidor’ Review: Get That Movie" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-get-that-movie/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Get That Movie film critic and YouTuber Ale Turdo reviews IZIDOR, giving it a 9/10 star review..." last_modified: "2025-06-08T21:28:49+00:00" categories: [news, Short Film] tags: [Izidor, movie review, romania, short film] --- # ‘izidor’ Review: Get That Movie _Get That Movie_ film critic and YouTuber Ale Turdo reviews _IZIDOR_, giving it a **9/10 star review**. “IZIDOR’s blend of animation and live action results in a moving depiction of a real life story that represents vulnerable children everywhere, while teaching us that one small act of kindness can change everything.” Watch the YouTube review [**here**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXtmWDuFq6g). --- --- title: "‘izidor’ Review:  A Tender Glimpse into a Hidden Past" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-a-tender-glimpse-into-a-hidden-past/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Scene for Scene film critic Reina K gives IZIDOR a 4.5-star review. \"In just under thirty minutes, IZIDOR manages to stir the soul, break your heart, and gently piece it back together again...\"" last_modified: "2025-04-05T17:24:13+00:00" categories: [news, Recommended, Short Film, U.S. news stories] tags: [film review, Izidor, kindness, romania, short film] --- # ‘izidor’ Review:  A Tender Glimpse into a Hidden Past _Scene for Scene_ film critic Reina K gives _IZIDOR_ a **4.5-star review**. “In just under thirty minutes, IZIDOR manages to stir the soul, break your heart, and gently piece it back together again…” Read the review [**here**](https://sceneforscene.com/izidor-a-tender-glimpse-into-a-hidden-past/). --- --- title: "‘izidor’ Review: A Short Film That Hits Like a Sledgehammer" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-a-short-film-that-hits-like-a-sledgehammer/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Action Reloaded film critic Jeff Turner gives IZIDOR a 5-star review, calling it \"unmissable\"!" last_modified: "2025-04-05T13:57:22+00:00" categories: [news, Recommended, Short Film] tags: [Izidor, izidorstory, movie review, romania, short film] --- # ‘izidor’ Review: A Short Film That Hits Like a Sledgehammer _Action Reloaded_ film critic Jeff Turner gives _IZIDOR_ a **5-star reveiw**, calling it “unmissable”! Read the review [**here**](https://www.actionreloaded.com/izidor-a-short-film-that-hits-like-a-sledgehammer/). --- --- title: "‘izidor’ Review: An artfully sincere homage to survivors" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-an-artfully-sincere-homage-to-survivors/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Cinemacy founder and film critic Morgan Rojas reviews IZIDOR." last_modified: "2025-06-08T23:54:03+00:00" categories: [news, Short Film, U.S. news stories] tags: [movie review, orphan, romania, short film] --- # ‘izidor’ Review: An artfully sincere homage to survivors _Cinemacy_ founder and film critic Morgan Rojas reviews _IZIDOR_. Read the review [**here**](https://cinemacy.com/izidor-review/). --- --- title: "Authority Magazine: Things I wish someone told me" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/authority-magazine-sarah-padbury-of-izidor-story-things-i-wish-someone-told-me-when-i-first-became-a-filmmaker/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Authority Magazine interviews writer/producer Sarah Padbury about her journey from advocating for children through adoption to writing and producing the film IZIDOR." last_modified: "2025-06-08T23:53:19+00:00" categories: [news, Recommended, Short Film, U.S. news stories] tags: [Izidor, orphan, romania, sarah padbury, short film] --- # Authority Magazine: Things I wish someone told me _Authority Magazine_ is an online publication that focuses on showcasing thought leaders who are making a significant impact. In this interview, writer/producer Sarah Padbury reflects on her journey from advocating for children through adoption to writing and producing the film _IZIDOR_. Read the interview [**here**](https://medium.com/authority-magazine/sarah-padbury-of-izidor-story-5-things-i-wish-someone-told-me-when-i-first-became-a-filmmaker-f747a6861a20). --- --- title: "Grit Daily: Conversation with Indie Filmmaker David Kabbe" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/grit-daily-conversation-with-indie-filmmaker-david-kabbe-izidor-film/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Grit Daily interviews director David Kabbe about the struggle to secure funding for independent films and the use of AI to augment animation." last_modified: "2025-03-18T01:39:23+00:00" categories: [news, Recommended, Short Film, U.S. news stories] tags: [director, Izidor, orphan, romania, short film] --- # Grit Daily: Conversation with Indie Filmmaker David Kabbe _Grit Daily,_ a digital news platform that focuses on startup culture, interviews IZIDOR director David Kabbe about the struggle to secure funding for independent films and the use of AI to augment animation. Read the interview [**here**](https://gritdaily.com/conversation-indie-filmmaker-david-kabbe-izidor-film/). --- --- title: "Romania Insider: From hopelessness to hope" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/romania-insider-a-romanian-orphanage-survivors-path-to-healing-in-izidor-a-short-film/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Romania Insider interviews producer Izidor Ruckel, director David Kabbe, and lead actress Sarah Padbury about the new short film, IZIDOR." last_modified: "2025-06-08T23:51:42+00:00" categories: [news, Romanian news stories, Short Film, U.S. news stories] tags: [Izidor, orphan, romania, short film] --- # Romania Insider: From hopelessness to hope _Romania Insider,_ an independent English-language news platform, interviews producer Izidor Ruckel, director David Kabbe, and lead actress Sarah Padbury about the new short film, IZIDOR. Read the interview [**here**](https://www.romania-insider.com/izidor-ruckel-short-film-story-february-2025). --- --- title: "IZIDOR the film is finished!" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-film-finished/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "IZIDOR, the short film, finishes production. Read what is planned next and how to view the 30-minute movie." last_modified: "2025-03-05T05:04:30+00:00" categories: [news, Press releases, Recommended, Romanian news stories, Short Film] tags: [adoption, animation, Izidor, kindness, romania] custom_fields: ast-featured-img: "disabled" --- # IZIDOR the film is finished! ### **ANIMATION – COMPLETE!** IZIDOR is a 30-minute film with 8 minutes of animation. The animation process was laborious and complicated, with Director** David Kabbe** working alongside Animation Supervisor **John Kujawa** to ensure the animation conveyed its important emotional messaging. We were also thrilled to add to this team two people from the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design, Professor **Ahmed Elmatarawi** and a gradating, talented animator,** Alani Sanders**. ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DirectorOfficeScene_PK-1200x644.jpg) ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sofiaOnisaScene_PK-1200x644.jpeg) ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/OnisaIzidorAlbescu_Scene_PK-1200x633.jpg) ### **SOUND DESIGN AND MIX – COMPLETE!** French Sound Designer **Benjamin Jacquier **created a detailed palate of sound for our film, including a haunting recording of children made at his local elementary school. **Dominic Camardella**, an industry-recognized audio engineer and producer, mixed Ben’s sound effects and **Jesper Ankarfeldt**‘s score and made them come alive, stirring viewers’ hearts with how just a small light shining in the darkness sparks hope. ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Sound-Mix-1200x648.jpeg)_Director David Kabbe, Producer Sarah Padbury, and Audio Engineer Dominic Camardella in the sound studio_ ### FINAL EDIT AND COLOR – COMPLETE! **Tony Leech**, a director/writer/editor in his own right (_Hoodwinked! Escape from Planet Earth_), rounded out our post-production team, capping the film’s final look. His added touch completed the film’s beauty and impact. ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dave-and-Tony-1-1200x623.jpeg)_David Kabbe and Tony Leech_ ## WHAT’S NEXT? ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/film-festival-award-icon-simple-illustration-film-festival-award-vector-icon-web-design-isolated-white-background_98396-13804.png) **FILM FESTIVALS: **We are applying to film festivals around the world to showcase the film and its message: IZIDOR humanizes “the orphan” by uncovering a need we all have: **to belong**. This human connection transcends culture and time, making the lessons learned in 1988 communist Romania relevant today. ## WHEN CAN I SEE IT? **ONLINE Private Screenings:** All **DONORS** will receive an email with a private link to watch the film! **IN-PERSON Private Screenings:** Available for **organizations/groups** by contacting Exec. Producer Sarah Padbury (Sarah@IzidorRuckel.com). ** MOVIE PREMIERE: Public screenings** to be available in 2026 (after the festival circuit). ![A lone apple hangs from a tree branch](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/PP-46-copy-1200x529.jpg) _**FUNDING UPDATE**_ 150+ Donors = $90,000 2 Grants = $60,000 We are so grateful for the** 150+ people** who partnered with us to make this film with their** tax-deductible donations**.** **With your partnership, we created a beautiful and moving short story that will have big impact for children all over the world! ## LAUNCHING DISTRIBUTION Please consider a gift to Izidor Story to help distribute the film. Our initial distribution fundraising goal is **$50,000 **to start the festival circuit. We are going into the _very_ competitive open market, so every dollar counts! In addition, we are looking for organizations and donors who want to discuss partnership options. Thank you! [![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Donate-Button-1200x640.jpeg)](https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/izidor) _Donations are processed by [The Film Collaborative](https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/izidor), a nonprofit offering fiscal sponsorship to filmmakers._ --- --- title: "Libertatae (video): Sighetu Marmatiei, Romania" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/libertatae-video-sighetu-marmatiei-romania/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "LIBERTATAE follows Izidor in his hometown of Sighetu Marmatiei as settles into a new home and looks for work. (English with Romanian subs.)" last_modified: "2024-08-09T19:12:33+00:00" categories: [Global news stories, news, Romanian news stories] tags: [disability rights, Izidor, orphan, romania, ruckel] --- # Libertatae (video): Sighetu Marmatiei, Romania _Libertatea_ follows Izidor in his hometown of Sighetu Marmatiei as settles into a new home and looks for work. __ Watch the video, posted on Facebook, [here](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2229938763870487). (The interview is 90% in English with Romanian subtitles.) --- --- title: "Libertatea (article): Sighetu Marmatiei, Romania" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/libertatea-sighetu-marmatiei-romania/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "LIBERTATAE interviews Izidor in his hometown of Sighetu Marmatiei about his efforts to live in Romania in 2023." last_modified: "2024-08-09T19:10:56+00:00" categories: [Global news stories, news, Romanian news stories] tags: [disability rights, Izidor, orphan, romania] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Libertatea (article): Sighetu Marmatiei, Romania _Libertatea_ interviews Izidor in his hometown of Sighetu Marmatiei about his efforts to return to Romania. __ Read the interview [here](https://www.libertatea.ro/stiri/reportaj-nu-tara-romania-mi-a-facut-rau-ci-cativa-oameni-cum-a-invatat-un-tanar-crescut-intr-un-orfelinat-din-sighet-si-adoptat-in-sua-sa-ierte-4653962). (Non-Romanian speakers please use Google Translate to view the article into your language.) --- --- title: "IZIDOR Production Update (Spring 2023)" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-production-update-spring-2023/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Izidor Ruckel, David Kabbe (Director) and Sarah Padbury (Producer) provide an update on the production timeline and fundraising effort." last_modified: "2024-11-27T01:08:10+00:00" categories: [news, Press releases, Romanian news stories, Short Film] tags: [Izidor, orphan, romania, short film] custom_fields: ast-featured-img: "disabled" --- # IZIDOR Production Update (Spring 2023) ![A smalll apple hangs off a tree branch.](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/PP-46-copy-1200x529.jpg) **POST-PRODUCTION Q&A** **Q: Who is on the Post-Production Team? When and where can I see the film?** ** A: See below!** ### **COMPOSER – HIRED!** **Jesper Ankarfeldt** is a Danish award-winning film composer with more than 100 films to his credit. His films have won dozens of international awards and earned several Oscar qualifications. _IZIDOR _relies heavily on music for storytelling, so we are thrilled the film will have Jesper’s touch. ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/jesper-conductor2.png)_Jesper Ankarfeldt conducts an orchestra._ ### **EDITORS – HIRED!** **Christine and Mark Haslett** are a married editing team with extensive experience in animated and live-action filmmaking, including work at Disney, DreamWorks, Netflix, Universal, Sony and PBS Kids. Their creative synergy has found some magical moments in our footage, making our tale even better.  ![Mark and Christine Haslett sit infront of a computer screen showing Izidor footage being edited. ](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hasletts2-1200x621.jpeg)_Mark and Christine Haslett editing IZIDOR footage._ ### ANIMATION TEAM – HIRED! The animation team is headed by **John Kujawa**, a computer graphic (CG) artist whose extensive experience includes 14 years as technical director for the Emmy Award-winning show _South Park_, as well as credits for studios like Activision, Sony Pictures, Disney and HBO. This veteran crew is creating a distinct look for our film that will surprise audiences. ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Izidor-and-John-K-copy-1-1200x709.jpeg)_Izidor Ruckel visits John Kujawa’s animation studio._ ### ANIMATION DESIGN – Sneak Peek! ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/frontentrancePhoto4-1200x765.jpeg) ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Animated-Holding-Room-crop-1200x634.jpg) ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/movie-night3.png) ### **WHEN WILL THE FILM BE DONE?** ** **  2024  **** ### **WHERE CAN I SEE IT?** **ONLINE Private Screenings:** Available for **all donors** once the film is finished. **IN-PERSON Private Screenings:** Available for **organizations/groups** by contacting Exec. Producer Sarah Padbury (Sarah@IzidorRuckel.com). **MOVIE PREMIERE: **After the film goes through the international film festival circuit, **public showings** will be held. Expected availability: 2025/2026. [![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Donate-Button-1200x640.jpeg)](https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/izidor) Thank you for partnering with us to make this film with your **tax-deductible donations**. We have raised $128,000 so far! Please consider a gift to Izidor Story, LLC to help finish the film!  _Donations are processed by [The Film Collaborative](https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/izidor), a nonprofit offering fiscal sponsorship to filmmakers._ --- --- title: "“All of Life” Podcast: The Power of Belonging" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-producer-podcast-interview/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Sarah Padbury, producer and writer of the short film IZIDOR, participates in a panel discussion on belonging and hospitality on the \"All of Life\" podcast at Redemption Church Tempe (Arizona)." last_modified: "2025-03-05T05:46:44+00:00" categories: [news, Short Film, U.S. news stories] --- # “All of Life” Podcast: The Power of Belonging Sarah Padbury, producer and writer of the short film [IZIDOR](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story/short-film/), participates in a panel discussion on _belonging_ and _hospitality_ on the [All of Life podcast ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2BCnE6ZiG6bYPwB4uEhk1x)at Redemption Church Tempe (Arizona). Sarah shares how an orphan’s life was changed by learning he “belonged,” and how she was personally changed while filming the movie on-location in Romania. [Click here ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2BCnE6ZiG6bYPwB4uEhk1x)to listen to the podcast. --- --- title: "Short film update: GREAT news!" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story-report-from-romania-filming/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "The IZIDOR production team gives an overview of their 5-week timeline to shoot the live action sequences in Romania, including first hiring actors and finding locations!" last_modified: "2025-03-05T05:50:37+00:00" categories: [news, Press releases, Romanian news stories, Short Film] tags: [Izidor, orphan, real boy, romania, ruckel, short film] --- # Short film update: GREAT news! The Izidor Story production team spent the month of September on location in Sighetu Marmatiei, Romania, shooting the live action portion of the short film [IZIDOR](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story/short-film/) (formerly entitled “Real Boy for a Day”). The film reveals a disabled orphan trapped in a world of animation when he unexpectedly gets a night out of the asylum and experiences the “real” world. It’s based on a true event in Izidor Ruckel’s life when he went outside the institution for the very first time at eight years old. When we arrived in Romania, we had many needs: hire actors, find several locations, procure Ceausescu-era set decoration and costume design, and merge a newly-assembled filming crew into a smooth team. ### ACTORS We hired seven children and five adults to act in the film. Most significantly, we discovered 8-year-old Iosua (“Joshua”) Barbu to play little Izidor. A first-time actor, his understanding of the difficult material blew us away. Starting with his audition, he often asked great questions and adjusted quickly to direction. This little guy has a bright future in front of him! ![Child Izidor standing in the woods](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/RBD-Izidor-trees-1-800x1200.jpg)_Iosua Barbu as little Izidor_ ![Six children smiling and running through the woods](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/RBD-Kids-run-1-809x1200.jpg) ### LOCATIONS The Mayor of Sighetu Marmatiei, [Vasile Moldovan](https://www.facebook.com/vasile.moldovan.142240/posts/376049430655558), granted us permission to film in the city streets and at Izidor’s old orphanage. In addition, some residents allowed filming on their properties. One volunteer let us shoot in an unoccupied, 100-year-old house that had remained unrenovated since communist times. After a thorough cleaning, the place transformed into a nostalgic home. [SUNRAI Village Resort](https://www.sunraivillage.com/) provided picturesque views of the valley that helped accentuate the beauty of the real world, compared to life inside the asylum. ![Drone shot of a village at sunset with a horse drawn carriage in view](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/RBD-Sunset-1-1200x800.jpg)_The city of Sighetu Marmatiei from the hills of SUNRAI Village Resort_ ### SET AND COSTUME DESIGN Volunteers dug through old boxes to find dozens of authentic mementos, fabrics, and dishes from the 1980’s. The results astonished local residents with several exclaiming, “I feel like I’m at my great-grandmother’s house!” ![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/RBD-Onishas-table-2-1-800x1200.jpg)Onisha’s table ![A table with a lit lantern and 1980's era radio](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/RBD-Onishas-radio-1-800x1200.jpg) ### FILM CREW We are thrilled with the results of our 5-member film crew. Not only were these exceptionally talented people to work with, but their openness toward understanding our film’s goals added more creativity and magic to the final results. ![Child actor for Izidor with the 5 members of the filming crew](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/RBD-5-member-crew-1200x900.jpg)_L to R: Iosua Baru (actor for little Izidor), Stefan Aghitoaie (Assistant Camera), Paul Plesa (Drone Pilot and Set Photographer), Dave Kabbe (Director), Daniel Rizea (Sound Technician), and Daniel Wyland (Director of Photography)._ ### THANK YOU! We are so grateful for all the people we met in Romania! We could not have done it without the outpouring of local community support we received. Below is a picture from our final Wrap Party of the cast, crew, and community volunteers. ![Group photo of 36 smiling children and adults](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/RBD-Wrap-Party-edited-1-1200x754.png) ## What’s next? We are now **raising the final funds** to finish the short film. Post production includes creating the animated sequences, original music, editing, and post-production costs. Please consider a **tax-deductible donation** to Izidor Story today! [![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Donate-Button-1200x640.jpeg)](https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/izidor) _Your donation will be processed by [The Film Collaborative](https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/izidor), a nonprofit that offers fiscal sponsorship to filmmakers._ --- --- title: "REAL BOY FOR A DAY: A short film" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/real-boy-for-a-day-a-short-film/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "In December 2020, we announced we had entered pre-production for the narrative limited series IZIDOR, based on the true story of Izidor Ruckel. Now, we are pleased to announce we will preview the series with a short film called REAL" last_modified: "2021-11-03T22:20:52+00:00" categories: [Limited Series, news, Press releases, Short Film] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # REAL BOY FOR A DAY: A short film In December 2020, we announced we had entered pre-production for the narrative limited series [IZIDOR](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story/izidor-limited-series-2/), based on the true story of Izidor Ruckel. Now, we are pleased to announce we will preview the series with a **short film** called [REAL BOY FOR A DAY](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story/short-film/). The “short” will present an adaption of a pivotal event in Izidor’s otherwise horrible childhood that awakens his self-awareness. At that time, Izidor was an 8-year-old boy with a paralyzed leg when he was allowed to step outside of the asylum for the first time – ever: > **Izidor is a disabled orphan trapped in a world of animation when he unexpectedly gets a night out of the asylum and experiences the “real” world.** The short film utilizes both **animation and live action** to accentuate the disparity between how institutionalized children experience life compared to children in families. The stakes are high because Izidor isn’t a fictional character, but a real boy trying to determine what it means to be human. He represents not just Romanian orphans, but all orphans worldwide. The short film is a **wake-up call**, shining a spotlight on the human rights issues that orphans face everywhere. This project has two purposes. First, this format is a great way to expand our message to non-traditional movie audiences, where viewers are seeking to gather information that is concise, sparks their imagination, and empowers them to “do something” to make the world a better place. Some groups that could utilize the short film include the following: - **Orphan Advocacy Groups/Child Welfare Organizations – **We will partner with a growing list of organizations and offer private showings and online screenings for their conventions, fundraisers, and educational resources. - **Trauma Resource and Recovery Groups – **Childhood trauma impacts people their entire lifetime. We will work with trauma experts in utilizing this resource to give people a glimpse into the life and psyche of an institutionalized child. - **Educational Institutions – **Hundreds of colleges, representing tens of thousands of students, offer degrees in social justice, human rights, psychology and child development. With its thoughtful and provoking message, the short film is a perfect format for classroom study, as well as university panel discussions. In addition, middle school and high school teachers could utilize the film for student discussions in various classes, such as history, psychology and civics. - **Religious Organizations**– We plan to partner with religious organizations that show a history of caring for the orphan. For example, the Pew Research Center reports that 37% of all Americans attend church on a weekly basis, with orphan care being a tenet of most churches and synagogues. Second, REAL BOY FOR A DAY will give traditional film audiences and film festival judges a preview of our vision for the limited series. If well received, the short offers great potential for attracting investors to fund the entire series. In the end, we hope to encourage and influence a worldwide conversation about orphans through this short film: _When will we, as a global society, treat orphans as real boys and girls not just for a day – but every day_? **Please consider donating** to make this short film a reality! Our international production team is poised to begin filming in Romania in August.* Our budget is **$200,000** to produce the short film, coordinate a healthy film festival circuit, and distribute the film worldwide. To date, we have raised $55,000 toward that goal, all from private donations! **Tax-deductible donations** can be made through [The Film Collaborative.](https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/izidor) For partnership opportunities or in-kind donations, please [contact us](https://izidorruckel.com/contact-us/). Thank you! The Izidor Story Team *Filming dates are dependent upon favorable Romanian COVID travel regulations at that time. --- --- title: "All about orphans" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story/all-about-orphans/" lang: "en-US" type: "page" description: "Private: Dev Page Izidor Story, LLC seeks to raise awareness regarding a regularly abused and neglected people group: orphans. Special needs orphans are especially vulnerable to maltreatment. Our passion is to initiate global change in how the world approaches orphans," last_modified: "2026-02-04T22:06:32+00:00" custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "no-sidebar" site-content-layout: "page-builder" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" site-post-title: "disabled" ast-featured-img: "disabled" --- # All about orphans # IZIDOR’s Big Summer 2025 Izidor Story, LLC seeks to raise awareness regarding a regularly abused and neglected people group: orphans. Special needs orphans are especially vulnerable to maltreatment. Our passion is to initiate global change in how the world approaches orphans, believing that all children are deserving of dignity, respect, and protection. ![Kids looking at globe](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Szalay_RO_1992_0026-3K.jpg) ## Worldwide Orphans - According to “household surveys,” UNICEF estimates there are over 140 million orphans globally. Of those, approximately 15 million are “double orphans,” having lost both parents. ([Source.)](https://www.unicef.org) - However, these numbers do not include millions of children who are living in institutions, surviving on the streets, conscripted for labor or armed conflict, and victims of trafficking. Vast numbers of these “social orphans” have one or more parents, yet experience life as if they have none. ([Source.](https://resources.cafo.org/resource/on-understanding-orphan-statistics-2/)) ## Orphanages - Approximately 8 million children live in orphanages or other institutions around the world, yet only 20 percent are double orphans. - Research shows orphanages harm children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. - Institutionalization impacts early brain development similar to acute malnutrition or in utero drug exposure. The risk of sexual violence is quadrupled for orphanage children. - As young adults, they are 10x more likely to fall into sex work compared to their peers and are 500x more likely to take their own lives. [(Source.)](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-slavery-conference-orphanages-factbox/factbox-most-children-in-orphanages-are-not-orphans-idUSKCN1NJ0AG) ![4 boys behind an orphanage fence, looking out](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Boys-behind-orphanage-fence.jpg) ![3 children holding sign "We need you"](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/foster-care.jpg) ## American Orphans - In the United States, over 120,000 foster children are waiting for adoptive families. That number grows every year as tens of thousands of children become legal orphans — more than are adopted annually. [(Source.](https://tinyurl.com/afcar-data)) - A child’s development is already damaged by the time he enters foster care due to abuse, neglect and/or abandonment. Many children remain in foster care for years on end, adding more trauma. - Every year, 20,000+ youth ages 18-21 “age out” of the system, left to fend for themselves. Former foster youth are disproportionately represented in homelessness, [unemployment](https://www.ifoster.org/blogs/6-quick-statistics-on-the-current-state-of-foster-care/), [incarceration](https://jlc.org/news/what-foster-care-prison-pipeline#:~:text=The%20foster%20care%2Dto%2Dprison%20pipeline%20is%20the%20latest%20iteration,worsens%20existing%20disparities%20and%20discrimination.&text=Youth%20in%20group%20homes%20are,youth%20placed%20with%20foster%20families.), and [human trafficking](https://www.childrensrights.org/newsroom/fact-sheets/child-sex-trafficking/).  ## Romanian orphans - In 1966, Romania’s dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu, issued Decree 770, which outlawed birth control and abortion for any woman under age 40, unless she already had four children. His believed population growth would fuel economic growth. - By 1977, all childless people age 25 and above, regardless of sex or marital status, paid an additional monthly tax. - People who couldn’t afford to raise their children were encouraged to give them to the state to raise. However, the state redirected money and many of the children grew up in horrific conditions. Upon turning eighteen, the sickly and uneducated children were released to the streets or moved to an “old folks home.” - On Christmas Day 1989, Ceausescu was executed during the Romanian Revolution. Approximately 100,000 children were in orphanages at that time. - In 1990, Western media exposed the orphanages, launching an international adoption phenomenon that rescued thousands of children out of the system. - In 2004, Romania closed its doors to all international adoption, citing corruption. It remains closed to this day. [(Source.)](https://tinyurl.com/theguardian-ceausescu) ![Children laying in orphanage cribs](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Children-in-orphanage-cribs.jpg) --- --- title: "Izidor story team" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story-team/" lang: "en-US" type: "page" description: "Izidor Story Team The Izidor Story team came together due to their collective passion to address the global human rights issues orphans inherently face. We believe elevating Izidor's true story to a platform that can be easily accessed through worldwide," last_modified: "2026-04-27T01:04:20+00:00" custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "no-sidebar" site-content-layout: "page-builder" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" site-post-title: "disabled" ast-featured-img: "disabled" --- # Izidor story team # IZIDOR’s Big Summer 2025 The Izidor Story team came together due to their collective passion to address the global human rights issues orphans inherently face. We believe elevating Izidor’s true story to a platform that can be easily accessed through worldwide, online streaming is the best way to offer hope to orphans and enlightenment to a global society. Our current projects include producing a [short film](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story/short-film/), revealing a striking moment in Izidor’s life at the asylum, as well as producing a [limited series](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story/izidor-limited-series-2/) that delves into his full, true story. Both projects are entitled IZIDOR. [Click here](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story/) for more information about Izidor Story, LLC. Below are the people who are lending their talents to tell Izidor’s story. ![Izidor Ruckel](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Izidor-Ruckel.jpg) ### Izidor Ruckel **Author, Speaker and Co-Founder of Izidor Story, LLC**_– Seguin, Texas_****Producer, IZIDOR (limited series and short film)** Izidor Ruckel is the author of _Abandoned for Life_, which reveals his life as a neglected Romanian orphan and ensuing adoption by an American family. He is also the producer of a two-time award-winning documentary about the benefits of adoption, called _Given Our Chance._ A sought-after activist, Izidor speaks to groups and government agencies across the United States and Romania, advocating for vulnerable children and people with disabilities. In addition, Izidor is the general manager of a fast-food restaurant in Seguin, Texas. Dozens of national and international media outlets have featured Izidor’s story, including _The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman, The Atlantic, BBC World Service, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, National Public Radio, ABC News 20/20,_ and all of Romania’s national news outlets. (Full bio and press coverage [here](https://izidorruckel.com/meet-izidor/).) ![Sarah Padbury smiles at the camera](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Sarah-Padbury-3-scaled.jpg) ### Sarah Padbury **Co-Founder and Creative Director, Izidor Story, LLC **_– Phoenix, Ariz._ **Producer and Writer, IZIDOR (limited series and short film) ** Sarah is a producer, writer, actress and child advocate. She extensively researched Izidor’s story by interviewing Izidor, his family, his orphanage friends, several Americans and Romanians involved in his rescue, and former orphanage workers. In 2004, Sarah helped start [Project 1.27](https://www.project127.org/), a nonprofit that recruits, trains, and supports foster and adoptive parents. Today, Project 1.27 leads a national network of 18 bridge organizations who serve 7,000 children annually. Sarah has written parenting curriculum and trained hundreds of adoptive parents. Sarah and her husband Chris are 7x adoptive parents with children from international orphanages and U.S. foster care. As a public speaker, she educates groups on the needs of vulnerable children.  [LinkedIn.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-padbury-1aa8818/) ![Dave Kabbe](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Dave-Kabbe-1.jpg) ### David Kabbe **Producer and Director, IZIDOR (short film)** – _Los Angeles, Calif._ Dave has 20 years of experience in producing, coordinating and directing a wide range of productions, including independent films, television, live events, tentpole premieres, talk shows, and multimedia events. He has worked with many of the major studios, such as Paramount, Universal, DreamWorks, and Warner Brothers. IZIDOR is David’s film directorial debut. Dave grew up traveling the world, which instilled in him a passion to give voice to humanitarian issues. As a filmmaker, his travels include interviewing Filipino warlords, documenting genocide in war-torn Iraq, and recording the recent atrocities in Ukraine. His experience as a foster child mentor opened his eyes to the needs of orphans.  [LinkedIn.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kabbe-2b37a76/) ![Gary Coiro](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Gary-Coiro.jpg) ### Gary Coiro **Advisor** (Izidor Story, LLC) – _Baltimore, Md. _ Gary has worked as a nonprofit advisor for over 30 years. Through his company, Servant Network, Gary counsels in the areas of organizational assessment, strategic planning, major donor cultivation, feasibility studies, and nonprofit campaigns – helping raise over $100 million. In addition, Gary is a pastoral staff member at a large multi-cultural church in the Baltimore, Md. area.  [Website.](https://servantnetwork.wordpress.com/) ![Claes Jonasson](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Claes_Jonasson-1.jpg) ### Claes Jonasson **Art and Website Design** (Izidor Story, LLC) – _Little Rock, Ark._ Hailing from Sweden, Claes is passionate about storytelling. He is the Owner and Creative Director of Claes Jonasson Design LLC. For over 40 years, Claes has crafted award-winning media and design solutions for higher education, nonprofits and small businesses, both in the U.S. and abroad. He’s also a blogger and fiction writer.  [Website.](https://claesjonasson.design/) ![Jodi Slein](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Jodi-Slein.jpg) ### Jodi Slein Administrative**** Assistant ** (Izidor Story, LLC) – _Baltimore, Md._ After seeing Izidor’s story on _ABC News 20/20_ in 1993, Jodi and her husband, Sean, were inspired to adopt their son Michael from a Romanian institution. She has a passion to help adoptees and adoptive parents heal from trauma. - [Izidor Ruckel](https://izidorruckel.com/meet-izidor/) - [John Upton](https://izidorruckel.com/john-upton/) - [Izidor Story, LLC](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story/) --- --- title: "Izidor Story, LLC" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story/" lang: "en-US" type: "page" description: "Private: Dev Page Our mission Izidor Story, LLC promotes the true story of Izidor Ruckel for the purpose of advocating for vulnerable children worldwide. By turning Izidor's life story into a short film and limited series, both entitled IZIDOR, we" last_modified: "2026-02-04T20:42:37+00:00" custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "no-sidebar" site-content-layout: "page-builder" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" site-post-title: "disabled" ast-featured-img: "disabled" --- # Izidor Story, LLC # IZIDOR’s Big Summer 2025 ## Our mission Izidor Story, LLC promotes the **true story** of Izidor Ruckel for the purpose of advocating for vulnerable children worldwide. By turning Izidor’s life story into a **short film** and **limited series**, both entitled IZIDOR, we hope to influence and encourage a global conversation about orphans. The short film is a wake-up call for our generation about the ongoing needs of orphans worldwide. The limited series reveals the true nature of orphanage life, the real-life complexity of adoption, and how everyday people can change the future for these at-risk children. We foster **partnerships** with organizations and individuals who care about the human rights issues orphans face in order to utilize Izidor’s story to educate and inspire millions around the world to treat all children with dignity. ## Our vision - Imagine a world without orphanages. - Imagine a world where countries are respected for how they treat their most vulnerable citizens, their children. - Imagine a world where families are waiting for children, instead of children waiting for families. - Imagine a world where foster and adoptive parents have the tools they need to understand trauma, develop appropriate expectations, and truly help their children heal. - Imagine a world where struggling parents are supported by society so families can remain intact, preventing child abandonment. - Imagine a world where cinema and television don’t use the cute or evil orphan trope to parade unrealistic and harmful images of traumatized children, just to make a buck. ![A woman and limping little boy exit through an animated, scary metal gate with the words asylum for irrecoverable children, and out into a beautiful, tree-lined path](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Web-wide-black-izidor.png) _IZIDOR_ (short film) [](https://izidorstory.com/about/) ![Izidor limited series poster](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Izidor-16x9-1.jpg) Izidor (limited series) [](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-limited-series-2/) ![group of 4 Romanian orphans in 1990](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/orphans-16x9-1.jpg) All about orphans [](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story/all-about-orphans/) ![The Izidor Story team posing](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/team-16x9-1.jpg) Izidor Story team [](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story-team/) Izidor Story, LLC is a limited liability company registered in Phoenix, Arizona. --- --- title: "Contact us" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/contact-us/" lang: "en-US" type: "page" description: "Contact us Send us a message: We are not a brick and mortar store and don't keep regular business hours. We will respond to messages within 2 business days." last_modified: "2026-07-30T20:24:39+00:00" custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "no-sidebar" site-content-layout: "page-builder" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" site-post-title: "disabled" ast-featured-img: "disabled" --- # Contact us # IZIDOR’s Big Summer 2025 [Speaker request](https://izidorruckel.com/speaking/speaker-request-form/) [Media interview request](https://izidorruckel.com/news/media-interview-request/) [Get email updates](#emailsignup1) ## Send us a message: "*" indicates required fields Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Name* First Last Email* Phone Message* We will treat your information in accordance with our [Terms of Use](https://izidorruckel.com/terms-of-use/) and [Privacy Policy](https://izidorruckel.com/privacy-policy/). Submit We are not a brick and mortar store and don’t keep regular business hours. We will respond to messages within 2 business days. --- --- title: "“Your Day Brighter” Podcast: Izidor Ruckel’s Incredible Journey to Healing" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/abandoned-adopted-advocate-izidor-ruckels-incredible-journey-to-healing/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Tracey Tiernan interviews orphan advocate Izidor Ruckel and screenwriter Sarah Padbury on her podcast, \"Your day brighter: Real reasons to have hope in this world.\" The duo discuss how they met, Izidor's journey from orphan to advocate, and how they" last_modified: "2025-04-05T13:50:28+00:00" categories: [news, Short Film, U.S. news stories] tags: [healing, izidor ruckel, limited series, miniseries, orphan, podcast, romania, Tracey Tiernan] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # “Your Day Brighter” Podcast: Izidor Ruckel’s Incredible Journey to Healing Tracey Tiernan interviews orphan advocate Izidor Ruckel and screenwriter Sarah Padbury on her podcast, “Your day brighter: Real reasons to have hope in this world.” The duo discuss how they met, Izidor’s journey from orphan to advocate, and how they are producing a limited series based on his life story that they hope will change the world. [Listen on Spotify.](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2U7G9zon31fNX0cLavoTYH?si=4G2lWAWCSWWBYtt3en6P4g) [Listen on Apple Podcasts.](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/abandoned-adopted-advocate-izidor-ruckels-incredible/id1499417911?i=1000506710891) --- --- title: "IZIDOR limited series begins pre-production!" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-limited-series-begins-pre-production/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "The time has come! I never could have imagined this when I was ten. Izidor looks out his old window in 2015. Back then, I remember staring out the orphanage window for hours at a time, wondering if there was" last_modified: "2021-06-26T10:57:31+00:00" categories: [Limited Series, news, Press releases] tags: [donate, donation, Izidor, limited series, miniseries, movie, orphan, romania] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # IZIDOR limited series begins pre-production! The time has come!** I never could have imagined this when I was ten.** ![2015 - Izidor looking out his old window at orphanage](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2015-Izidor-looking-out-his-old-window-@-orphanage-scaled-1-471x710.jpg)Izidor looks out his old window in 2015. Back then, I remember staring out the orphanage window for hours at a time, wondering if there was anything beyond that barbed wire-lined wall around the building. Thirty years later, that memory still haunts me as I think about the children today who are still stuck in places like that, surviving on scraps of food and trying to avoid beatings for sometimes doing nothing more than breathing. Children deserve better. That’s what motivates me to keep telling my story, as loud and clear as I can. With your help, we can advocate for orphans around the globe. That’s the power of storytelling. And that’s why I’m very pleased to announce we have begun pre-production on [**IZIDOR**](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story/izidor-limited-series-2/), a limited series (miniseries) based on my life story. We started a **fundraising campaign **for initial production costs, and I’m hoping you will help us out! To update you, here’s several new developments: - IZIDOR will be told in a live action narrative format that also incorporates dramatic animation. We are excited about how this new development brings more depth and clarity to the project. - We recently partnered with Dave Kabbe of Culture Shock Productions. His experience and passion for telling stories about human rights issues led him to us, and we are happy to have Dave on our team. - We’ve also partnered with[ The Film Collaborative](https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/izidor), a non-profit that offers fiscal sponsorship to filmmakers. That means our project can receive **tax deductible** **donations** through The Film Collaborative**!** ![Izidor limited series movie poster](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Izidor-poster-475x710.jpg) Now is an especially **great time to give**. Thanks to the CARES Act, from now through Dec. 31, 2020, the IRS has lifted all tax deduction limits! For more information on the CARES Act, click [here](https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/articles/what-the-cares-act-means-for-charitable-giving.html). Our first goal is to raise $100,000 to secure a professional production team and resources to bring this story to the world. **[CLICK HERE](https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/izidor) to give your tax-deductible donation now****! Your gift of $50, $100 or $500 would be greatly appreciated. ** The more awareness we can bring to the world about the ongoing struggles of orphans, the more we can change the world for good. Imagine a world where all children are treated with dignity, live in an environment of love, and have hope for the future. Then and only then can I say the pain I endured was worth it all. You are not alone, ### _Izidor_ _If you are interested in donating a more significant amount, please contact us directly._ ![Culture Shock Productions logo](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_2202-300x300.jpg) ![The Film Collaborative logo](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/tfc_logo_tfcorg_reg-300x116.png) [__](https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/izidor) --- --- title: "[ROMANIAN Translation] The Atlantic: Can an unloved child learn to love?" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/romanian-translation-the-atlantic-can-and-unloved-child-learn-to-love/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "The Atlantic's July 2020 feature article by Melissa Greene about Izidor Ruckel was translated into Romanian by DOR, Romania's leading magazine of literary nonfiction. It includes new photos of Izidor's journey. Read the story here in Romanian. Read the original story" last_modified: "2021-06-15T19:08:20+00:00" categories: [Global news stories, news, Romanian news stories] tags: [Exclude] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # [ROMANIAN Translation] The Atlantic: Can an unloved child learn to love? _The Atlantic’s_ July 2020 feature article by Melissa Greene about Izidor Ruckel was translated into Romanian by DOR, Romania’s leading magazine of literary nonfiction. It includes new photos of Izidor’s journey. Read the story [here](https://www.dor.ro/copil-neiubit-orfelinat/) in Romanian. Read the original story [here](https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/07/can-an-unloved-child-learn-to-love/612253/). --- --- title: "The Atlantic: Can an unloved child learn to love?" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/the-atlantic-can-an-uloved-child-learn-to-love/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "The Atlantic takes a deep dive into Izidor Ruckel's story of surviving a horrific Romanian orphanage. Presenting comprehensive analysis of institutionalized children from experts, the almost 9,000-word story is the most in-depth look to date of what he and tens" last_modified: "2021-06-15T19:11:59+00:00" categories: [news, Recommended, U.S. news stories] tags: [30 year anniversary, Ceausescu, izidor ruckel, Orphans, romania, the atlantic] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # The Atlantic: Can an unloved child learn to love? _The Atlantic_ takes a deep dive into Izidor Ruckel’s story of surviving a horrific Romanian orphanage. Presenting comprehensive analysis of institutionalized children from experts, the almost 9,000-word story is the most in-depth look to date of what he and tens of thousands of Romanian orphans endured under Nicolae Ceaușescu’s Communist regime. Read _The Atlantic_ article [here](https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/07/can-an-unloved-child-learn-to-love/612253/). --- --- title: "Disclaimer" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/disclaimer-2/" lang: "en-US" type: "page" description: "Disclaimer Please wait while the policy is loaded. If it does not load, please click here to view the policy." last_modified: "2026-04-08T18:42:47+00:00" custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "no-sidebar" site-content-layout: "content-boxed-container" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Disclaimer # IZIDOR’s Big Summer 2025 Please wait while the policy is loaded. If it does not load, please [click here to view the policy](https://policies.termageddon.com/api/policy/VVc4dmRXVm9RbXd2TTBSWFJrRTlQUT09). --- --- title: "Privacy policy" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/privacy-policy/" lang: "en-US" type: "page" description: "Privacy policy Please wait while the policy is loaded. If it does not load, please click here to view the policy." last_modified: "2026-04-08T18:41:23+00:00" custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "no-sidebar" site-content-layout: "content-boxed-container" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Privacy policy # IZIDOR’s Big Summer 2025 Please wait while the policy is loaded. If it does not load, please [click here to view the policy](https://policies.termageddon.com/api/policy/VUZZMWFtZDFaUzlSVEdkck1FRTlQUT09). --- --- title: "Terms of service" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/terms-of-service/" lang: "en-US" type: "page" description: "Terms of use Please wait while the policy is loaded. If it does not load, please click here to view the policy." last_modified: "2026-04-08T18:39:25+00:00" custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "no-sidebar" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Terms of service # IZIDOR’s Big Summer 2025 Please wait while the policy is loaded. If it does not load, please [click here to view the policy](https://policies.termageddon.com/api/policy/YzB0d2FESnlUSGRZVVVJNU4zYzlQUT09). --- --- title: "Ruckel attends Romanian premiere of ‘The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman’" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/ruckel-attends-romanian-premiere-of-the-story-of-us-with-morgan-freeman-and-heads-back-to-the-u-s/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Ruckel ends two years' service with successful event On January 10th, Izidor Ruckel attended the Romanian premiere of The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman in Bucharest. The event, held in Cinema Pro’s largest theater, drew over 400 people, including" last_modified: "2021-06-26T10:59:58+00:00" categories: [news, Press releases, Recommended, Romanian news stories] tags: [izidor ruckel, morgan freeman, the story of us] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Ruckel attends Romanian premiere of ‘The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman’ **Ruckel ends two years’ service with successful event** On January 10th, Izidor Ruckel attended the Romanian premiere of _The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman_ in Bucharest. The event, held in Cinema Pro’s largest theater, drew over 400 people, including journalists, social workers, NGO representatives, and Romanian adoptive parents. ![Izidor on stage at premiere of The Story of Us in Romania](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Izidor-on-stage-300x176.png) Attendees flocked to watch [the docuseries’ third episode, called “The Power of Love.”](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/shows/the-story-of-us-with-morgan-freeman/episode-guide/season-01/episode-03-the-power-of-love/vdka13104273)  Subtitled in Romanian, the show featured Morgan Freeman interviewing Ruckel about his life as a Romanian orphan and his subsequent adoption by an American family. Freeman also interviewed Ruckel’s parents, Danny and Marlys Ruckel, who shared about trying to reach into Izidor’s broken heart. Alexandra Cadar-Lumei traveled all the way from Sighetu Marmației, the northern city where Ruckel’s orphanage was located, to attend the premiere. Cadar-Lumei is the superior councilor at the Department of Social Services and said the evening was “beautiful.” ![Ruckel and Cadar-Lumei](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Izidor-and-Aexandra-232x300.jpg)Ruckel and Cadar-Lumei “I once again had the certainty that the power of love would never make you feel small… incapable… Ugly…. weak…. worthless,” Cadar-Lumei posted on Facebook. Ruckel conducted a press conference after the viewing. Many Journalists and other audience members asked about Romania’s current state of orphan care. Ruckel invited several child welfare specialists onto the stage to assist in answering questions. The panel noted that although Romania is closing large orphanages, smaller orphanages are replacing them where children are still cared for by a rotating staff. “This approach misses the point as it fails to provide families for these children,” said Liviu Mihăileanu, president of [Romania Without Orphans Alliance](https://www.facebook.com/RomaniaWithoutOrphans/). ![Romanian premiere of The Story of Us](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Romania-premiere-1-225x300.jpg) Mihăileanu discussed ongoing legislative initiatives that could help speed up the in-country adoption process: lowering the number of relatives sought from the 4th degree, which includes great-great-grandparents, introducing sanctions for not respecting the deadlines in declaring a child adoptable, lowering the number of migrations within the system, and allowing accredited private organizations be more involved. Ruckel was pleased at the audience’s engagement. “They seemed to truly be interested in improving the current child welfare system,” Ruckel said. “They were asking what they could do to help. That was encouraging because stepping out and getting involved it what makes the changes happen.” ![Izidor being interviewed on TV](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2018-01-10-18.14.47-300x300.jpg)Photo by Mihai Popa Several media outlets attended the premiere, including Antenna 3, DIGI 24 and A7 TV. In addition, staff from the [La Măruță ](https://www.facebook.com/LaMaruta.ro/?fref=ts)show came to show their support to Ruckel. Ruckel worked with the La Măruță show for two years, facilitating adoptee reunions with their birth families. The next day, Ruckel made a final appearance on the La Măruță show. Ruckel now heads home to Denver, Colorado, after spending twenty-two months serving in Romania at [Love Light Romania,](http://www.lovelightromania.com/) a non-profit dedicated to providing support services to children, teenagers & families affected by HIV/AIDS. Ruckel worked as a teen mentor. “I’m grateful for the two years I got to spend in my home country. Serving the last two years in Romania changed me. My Romanian language skills are now much better, and I am more motivated than ever to help orphans get the respect and dignity they deserve.” ![Izidor limited series movie poster](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Izidor_poster5sm1-201x300.jpg) Ruckel said he will now focus on getting his autobiography turned into a [limited series](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story/izidor-limited-series-2/). Through the project, called _Izidor_, Ruckel said he hopes to educate and inspire the world about the power of taking a risk on behalf of others. “To whom much is given, much is expected,” Ruckel said. “We all have something to give.” --- --- title: "Morgan Freeman interviews Izidor Ruckel for new docuseries" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/morgan-freeman-interviews-izidor-ruckel-for-new-docuseries/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Morgan Freeman interviews Izidor Ruckel for new docuseriesThe Story of Us with Morgan Freeman highlights the power of love with Ruckel’s story LOS ANGELES, Calif., October 2, 2017 – Morgan Freeman interviewed Izidor Ruckel for the six-part docuseries The" last_modified: "2021-06-26T11:08:36+00:00" categories: [news, Press releases, U.S. news stories] tags: [izidor ruckel, love, morgan freeman, orphan, orphanage, romania, the story of us] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Morgan Freeman interviews Izidor Ruckel for new docuseries ![Izidor logo](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IR-logo.jpg) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE **Morgan Freeman interviews Izidor Ruckel for new docuseries** _The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman_ highlights the power of love with Ruckel’s story LOS ANGELES, Calif., October 2, 2017 – Morgan Freeman interviewed Izidor Ruckel for the six-part docuseries_ The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman,_ premiering on National Geographic in the U.S. on October 11 at 9/8c, and globally in 171 countries and 45 languages in early 2018. An episode entitled “The Power of Love” includes Ruckel’s life story and will air as the third installment in the series on October 25, 2017. ![Los Angeles - Host Morgan Freeman meets with Izidor Ruckel](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/StoryOfUsWithMorganFreeman-Izidor-1-1200x800.jpg)Los Angeles – Host Morgan Freeman meets with Izidor Ruckel who discusses his horrific experience living in a Romanian orphanage as a child. (National Geographic/Justin Lubin) The series follows Freeman as he travels the world investigating ideas that unite mankind. In June, Freeman met with Ruckel at a park in Los Angeles to explore how the lack of familial love during early childhood shaped him. Ruckel spent the first eleven years of his life in a cruel Romanian orphanage for the “unsalvageables,” where lack of food and routine beatings stunted his growth physically and emotionally. Freeman also interviewed Ruckel’s American adoptive parents, Danny and Marlys Ruckel, on their attempts to reach such a broken boy with the meaning of love. “Morgan Freeman was truly curious to see how love has impacted someone who was locked away for so many years,” Ruckel said. “During the interview, I could sense that the stories he heard about the orphanage were truly shocking and eye opening for him.” ![Morgan Freeman and Izidor at picnic table, talking](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/StoryOfUsWithMorganFreeman-Izidor-2-1200x800.jpg)(National Geographic/Justin Lubin) Watch _The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman: The Power of Love_ on October 25th to see the impact of just one person showing love to Ruckel in the midst of his horrifying childhood. To find the National Geographic Channel in your country, visit: www.nationalgeographic.com/siteindex/international Izidor Ruckel is an orphan advocate who seeks to bring hope and dignity to children still suffering all over the world. Learn more at **IzidorRuckel.com**. ### Media Contact: Sarah Padbury Email: Sarah@IzidorRuckel.com --- --- title: "Izidor Ruckel intervievat de Morgan Freeman pentru un serial de televiziune" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/1461-2/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "PENTRU  DISTRIBUȚIE IMEDIATA Izidor Ruckel intervievat de Morgan Freeman pentru un serial de televiziune\"Povestea noastră\" cu Morgan Freeman evidențiază puterea dragostei prin povestea lui Izidor Ruckel. LOS ANGELES, Calif., 2 Octombrie, 2017 – Morgan Freeman la intervievat pe Ruckel pentru un" last_modified: "2021-06-26T11:08:59+00:00" categories: [news, Press releases, Romanian news stories] tags: [Izidor, love, morgan freeman, orphan] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Izidor Ruckel intervievat de Morgan Freeman pentru un serial de televiziune ![Izidor logo](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Izidor-Logo-Romanian-300x105.png) PENTRU  DISTRIBUȚIE IMEDIATA **Izidor Ruckel intervievat de Morgan Freeman pentru un serial de televiziune** “Povestea noastră” cu Morgan Freeman evidențiază puterea dragostei prin povestea lui Izidor Ruckel. LOS ANGELES, Calif., 2 Octombrie, 2017 – Morgan Freeman la intervievat pe Ruckel pentru un documentar ce face parte dintr-un serial, ce are șase părți, intitulat “Povestea noastră”, ce va avea premiera in USA, pe canalul National Geographic, pe 11 Octombrie la 9:00pm, coasta de est, sau 8:00pm, zona centrală. Documentarul va fi difuzat internațional în 171 de țări și 45 de limbi, la începutul lui 2018. Unul din episoade, care discută importanța dragostei, și include povestea de viață a lui Ruckel, va fi difuzat pe 25 octombrie 2017. Serialul îl însoțește pe Freeman într-o călătorie prin lume, investigând idei care unesc umanitatea. În iunie, Freeman s-a întâlnit cu Ruckel în Los Angeles pentru a afla cum acea lipsă din copilărie, a dragostei de familie, l-a format odată ajuns la maturitate. Ruckel și-a petrecut primii unsprezece ani din viață într-un orfelinat din România, cu condiții extrem de dure, destinat copiilor irecuperabili, unde lipsa de mâncare și bătăile frecvente i-au împiedicat dezvoltarea fizică și emoțională. Freeman a stat de vorbă și cu părinții adoptivi,  Danny și Marlys Ruckel, despre încercarea lor de a recupera un asemenea copil prin puterea dragostei. “Morgan Freeman a fost cu adevărat  curios să vadă cum a putut dragostea să aibe un impact asupra cuiva care a fost închis atâția ani” spune Ruckel. “Am putut vedea, în timpul interviului, cum povestea mea, despre orfelinat, pe care o asculta, l-a șocat și i-a deschis ochii.” ![Morgan Freeman and Izidor at picnic table, talking](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/StoryOfUsWithMorganFreeman-Izidor-2-1200x800.jpg)(National Geographic/Justin Lubin) Urmăriți “Povestea noastră” pe 25 octombrie pentru  pentru a vedea impactul unei singure persoane care i-a arătat dragoste lui Izidor în mijlocul unei copilării terifiante. Pentru a găsi Canalul National Geographic în țara voastră, vizitați www.nationalgeographic.com/siteindex/international. Izidor Ruckel este acum o voce pentru orfani, care încearcă să aducă speranță și demnitate copiilor care încă suferă, oriunde în lume.  Pentru a afla mai multe detalii vizitați  www.**IzidorRuckel.com**. ### --- --- title: "BAMA Mediaworks: Budapest, Hungary" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/bama-mediaworks-budapest-hungary/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Izidor Ruckel is interviewed regarding a report by the Romanian Prosecutor's Office on the Crime of Communism (IICCMER), which documents the era's lack of care for orphans. (Story archived.)" last_modified: "2021-06-25T18:34:54+00:00" categories: [Global news stories, news] tags: [Hungary, IICCMER, Izidor, orphan, romania] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # BAMA Mediaworks: Budapest, Hungary Izidor Ruckel is interviewed regarding a report by the Romanian Prosecutor’s Office on the Crime of Communism (IICCMER), which documents the era’s lack of care for orphans. _(Story archived.)_ --- --- title: "Antena 1 Observator: Bucharest, Romania" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/antena-1-observator-bucharest-romania/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Izidor, supravieţuitorul din „Orfelinatul Groazei“ din Sighetu Marmaţiei: Există copii care. The Observator interviews Izidor Ruckel about the long-term effects of orphanage life. Watch the interview here." last_modified: "2021-06-17T23:56:26+00:00" categories: [news, Romanian news stories] tags: [Izidor, orphan, ProTV, romania, ruckel] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Antena 1 Observator: Bucharest, Romania Izidor, supravieţuitorul din „Orfelinatul Groazei“ din Sighetu Marmaţiei: Există copii care. _The Observator_ interviews Izidor Ruckel about the long-term effects of orphanage life. Watch the interview [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVgI6M79lVQ). --- --- title: "Izidor’s first 10 months in Romania – and counting!" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidors-first-10-months-in-romania-and-counting/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "In April 2016, as Izidor was packing up to head back to the United States after a one-month visit to Romania, he received a one-year job offer from Love Light Romania (LLR). Izidor decided to stay and work with the" last_modified: "2021-06-26T11:03:27+00:00" categories: [news, Press releases] tags: [camp, HIV, izidor ruckel, love light romania, orphan] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Izidor’s first 10 months in Romania – and counting! In April 2016, as Izidor was packing up to head back to the United States after a one-month visit to Romania, he received a one-year job offer from [Love Light Romania](http://www.lovelightromania.com/) (LLR). Izidor decided to stay and work with the nonprofit whose mission it is to serve orphans and the poor around Medias. Ten months later, his stay has made a difference in the lives of many children in the community – and he’s decided to stay longer. **Mentor ** ![Persida and Cristi](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Cristy-and-Persida-2017-1-300x300.jpg) Izidor’s main responsibility at LLR is to mentor two live-in teenagers, Persida (15) and Cristi (14). Izidor has spent hundreds of hours with the siblings hoping to teach them life and relationship skills, as well taking them into town for fun getaways. “They’ve taught me a thing or two, as well,” Izidor reported. “Izidor has provided Persida and Cristi with a lot of encouragement and support,” said Jo Jewett, Director and Co-Founder of Love Light Romania. “It was important they rely on a person they trust, who they can look to for advice and guidance. He’s not just their mentor, they look at him as an older brother.” **Summer Camp** ![Izidor and children at summer camp](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Izidor-summer-camp-300x169.jpg) Izidor assisted LLR with running several rounds of summer camp for children from the surrounding villages. In all, over 100 children attended camp for a week at time, enjoying activities like living in tents, rock climbing, soccer, archery, and wheel barrel races. Most of the children had never been away from their families before and especially appreciated the evening ritual of music around a large campfire. “Within three days I was already seeing big changes in the children,” Izidor said. “They changed from angry kids to having fun and laughing; from stealing to being honest; from being rude to respectful and helpful. In the end, they didn’t want to leave because they had so much fun and made new friends.” **La Maruta** ![Adoptee reunion](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Adoptee-Reunion-300x169.jpg) In addition to working with LLR, Izidor continued facilitating adoptee reunions with the help of ProTV’s [La Maruta](https://www.facebook.com/LaMaruta.ro/?fref=ts) show. His nine-day run on the live talk show in 2015 with his birth mom and adoptive mom launched him into becoming a [household name in Romania](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-ruckel-concludes-2-month-tour-of-romania-orphan-florica-popescu-oradea-brasov-bucharest-protv/). The relationship he built with the production team led to a part-time position with the network. In all, Izidor helped eight adoptees meet their birth families on the show. He also privately facilitated two other reunions. “Although I enjoyed helping families reunite, I won’t be continuing to offer this service,” Izidor said. “I hope the best for everyone involved, especially that it brings peace for the adoptees to know their roots.” **Advocating** ![Izidor speaking at ARFO](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Izidor-ARFO-speech-300x169.jpg) Over the past ten months, Izidor has also continued his advocacy work for those still entrapped in state institutions. In October, he was a featured speaker at the Romania Without Orphans Gala held in Bucharest. The event offered traumatized parenting training by bringing together several international adoption specialists with Romanians who had adopted, or wanted to adopt. Izidor was also invited to a government meeting in December for the Ministry of Social Protection for Families. He participated in talks about how to stop orphans from “aging out” into the streets through changing the system to include transitional housing with job and life skills training. “We have to be willing to work with the government if we really want to make lasting change. I’m careful not to focus on blame, but on solutions.” **A Special Guest** ![Izidor and his dad, Danny Ruckel](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Izdior-and-dad-165x300.jpg) In September, Izidor’s dad, Danny Ruckel, visited from the United States. It was his first visit to Romania. “Having my dad here was amazing. I never thought I’d have the opportunity to share with him my history of Romania,” Izidor said. “My dad is an excellent guitar player and he even took the time to teach Cristi some guitar lessons.” **Future Plans** “I recently made the choice to stay another year in Romania,” Izidor said. “I have high hopes that I can continue making a difference at Love Light Romania and will also keep advocating to change the social welfare system here. I do believe in working together with government officials and plan to develop ongoing relationships with like-minded parliament leaders and local advocates.” Izidor will remain in Romania until Spring 2018. **Final Note: Supporting Love Light Romania** Over the last several months, many of Izidor’s international supporters have mailed goods and supplies to Love Light Romania to support its mission.He is very grateful for their aid. But due to high shipping costs, and the fact that the Romanian mail system is not dependable, Izidor requests sponsors consider making a financial donation instead so that supplies can be bought locally. To support Love Light Romania, [click here](http://www.lovelightromania.com/?page_id=1647). --- --- title: "Mix Actual: Brașov, Romania" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/mix-actual-brasov-romania/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Izidor Ruckel and Azota Popescu (left) of the Catharsis Association interview on Mix Actual inBrașov, Romania. Watch the full interview here." last_modified: "2021-06-26T11:09:56+00:00" categories: [news, Romanian news stories] tags: [adoption, azota, Izidor, love light romania, orphan, orphanage, popescu, roma] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Mix Actual: Brașov, Romania ![Izidor and Azota on TV set](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Izidor-and-Azota-on-Mix-Actual-710x478.png) Izidor Ruckel and Azota Popescu (left) of the [Catharsis Association](http://www.catharsis.org.ro/) interview on _Mix Actual_ inBrașov, Romania. Watch the full interview [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ds-G2iLj3aE). --- --- title: "Breaking News: Izidor Ruckel moves to Romania" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/breaking-news-izidor-ruckel-moves-to-romania/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "BUCHAREST, ROMANIA>> In a Bucharest apartment last week, Izidor Ruckel was packing to return to the United States when his phone buzzed. “Hi Izidor, sorry do not want to disturb you, I know you are busy,” said the text message." last_modified: "2021-06-17T23:57:30+00:00" categories: [news, Press releases] tags: [izidor ruckel, love light romania, mentor, move, romania] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Breaking News: Izidor Ruckel moves to Romania BUCHAREST, ROMANIA>> In a Bucharest apartment last week, Izidor Ruckel was packing to return to the United States when his phone buzzed. “Hi Izidor, sorry do not want to disturb you, I know you are busy,” said the text message. “But I really would like to talk with you about something…” The next sentence stunned him: “We are in the position to offer you a job…” Ruckel, who resides in Denver, Colorado, spent the last month in Romania. The first part of the trip he facilitated a reunion between a former orphan (adopted by an American family in 1999) and his birth family. Adoptee Michael Slein, his adoptive family, and his biological family were featured together on the _La Maruta_ show on March 28th in a meeting that brought healing and hope. Ruckel then met up with Sarah Padbury and Serena Orrego, colleagues from The States, who joined Ruckel for a visit to his hometown of Sighetu Marmatiei. Ruckel became the face of institutionalized orphans worldwide when the press discovered him in a horrific orphanage in 1990, soon followed by his adoption into an American family. The trio visited the orphanage (now an abandoned building) and interviewed several former workers and residents. The research trip was organized to confirm the facts of Ruckel’s journey to America in order to turn his life story into a feature film. “We were astounded at how well Izidor’s childhood memories lined up with the recollections of the adults who were there,” Padbury said. “We found evidence of every person Izidor remembered and confirmation of the events he experienced.” For more information on the upcoming movie, visit [IzidorTheMovie.com](http://Izidorthemovie.com). During his travels, Ruckel also visited an NGO called [Love Light Romania](http://www.lovelightromania.com/) (LLR) located in Medias, a town of about 50,000 in Sibiu County. LLR was founded by Ron and Jo Jowett in 2000. The British couple first began visiting Romania to help its orphans in the mid-1990s and soon found they needed to be available full-time to be truly effective in their work. They sold all they had and moved permanently to Romania. Today LLR operates several programs to help Romania’s orphans, including a home and resources for HIV/AIDS infected children and an education program to help families escape poverty. Helping the orphan is a part of Ruckel’s heartbeat. So when the Jowetts offered him a one-year contract to work at LLR as a mentor to teenagers, he was thrilled. “I never thought that the time would come when I would be able to live in Romania and be employed,” Ruckel said. “Life is full of surprises and I’m truly honored that the opportunity has knocked.” Ruckel has dreamed of working in Romania for many years and is starting his new position immediately. Instead of traveling back to Colorado, he took a train to Medias and is currently settling in. Godspeed! --- --- title: "ProTV’s La Măruţă: Bucharest, Romania" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/protvs-la-maruta-bucharest-romania/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Izidor, filmul copiilor salvati din Iad Cătălin Măruță, well-known host of the talk show \"La Măruță,\" interviewed Izidor Ruckel and his manager, Sarah Padbury, about Izidor's efforts to turn his life story into a film. Watch the interview here." last_modified: "2021-06-26T11:10:47+00:00" categories: [news, Romanian news stories] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # ProTV’s La Măruţă: Bucharest, Romania ![Izidor and Sarah on ProTV LaMaruta set](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Screen-Shot-2017-08-17-at-1.00.10-PM-300x168.jpg) Izidor, filmul copiilor salvati din Iad Cătălin Măruță, well-known host of the talk show “La Măruță,” interviewed Izidor Ruckel and his manager, Sarah Padbury, about Izidor’s efforts to turn his life story into a film. Watch the interview [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOlDzQrVaUc&t=89s). --- --- title: "BBC News: London, United Kingdom" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/bbc-news-london-united-kingdom-uk/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "The Brixton Broadcasting Corporation (BBC News) interviewed Izidor Ruckel about growing up in a Romanian orphanage. View the story on BBC News. (4 minutes) Listen to the BBC Radio interview. (11 minutes)" last_modified: "2021-06-17T23:58:12+00:00" categories: [Global news stories, news, Recommended] tags: [BBC, Izidor, orphan, romania, ruckel] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # BBC News: London, United Kingdom The Brixton Broadcasting Corporation (BBC News) interviewed Izidor Ruckel about growing up in a Romanian orphanage. [View the story on _BBC News_.](https://www.bbc.com/news/av/magazine-35944245/growing-up-in-a-romanian-orphanage) (4 minutes) [Listen to the _BBC Radio_ interview. ](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07500xw)(11 minutes) --- --- title: "BBC Radio: London, United Kingdom" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/bbc-radio-interviews-izidor-ruckel/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "BBC Radio in-depth interview with Izidor Ruckel on Mar. 28, 2016 about institutionalized life in Communist Romania. Listen to the BBC Radio interview. (11 minutes) View the BBC News story. (4 minutes)" last_modified: "2021-06-24T22:03:20+00:00" categories: [Global news stories, news] tags: [BBC, Izidor, orphan, radio, romania, ruckel] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # BBC Radio: London, United Kingdom _BBC Radio _in-depth interview with Izidor Ruckel on Mar. 28, 2016 about institutionalized life in Communist Romania. [Listen to the BBC Radio interview.](http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07500xw) (11 minutes) [View the BBC News story.](https://www.bbc.com/news/av/magazine-35944245/growing-up-in-a-romanian-orphanage) (4 minutes) --- --- title: "Los Angeles Times: Former Romanian orphan in the U.S. helps…" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-ruckel-featured-in-los-angeles-times/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Los Angeles Times reporter John M. Glionna traveled to Colorado in 2015 to interview Izidor Ruckel. The meeting reunited Glionna and Ruckel for the first time since 1991. Glionna's first story covered Ruckel's transition into his new adoptive family after arriving in America at" last_modified: "2021-06-26T11:06:59+00:00" categories: [news, U.S. news stories] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Los Angeles Times: Former Romanian orphan in the U.S. helps… ![Article about Izidor in LA Times](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Screen-Shot-2017-08-17-at-1.52.01-PM-300x160.jpg) _Los Angeles Times _reporter John M. Glionna traveled to Colorado in 2015 to interview Izidor Ruckel. The meeting reunited Glionna and Ruckel for the first time since 1991. Glionna’s [first story ](http://articles.latimes.com/1991-11-29/news/mn-197_1_san-diego)covered Ruckel’s transition into his new adoptive family after arriving in America at age eleven. What is Ruckel’s life like now, almost 25 years later? [Click here](https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-romanian-orphan-20151203-story.html) to read Glionna’s latest story from 2015. --- --- title: "Izidor Ruckel reveals new film on live radio show" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-ruckel-interviewed-on-stacy-petty-show-movie-sarah-padbury-radio/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Izidor Ruckel and his manager, Sarah Padbury, participated in a two-hour radio interview on the Stacy Petty Show on Friday, Aug. 7. The live broadcast is a daily show on 1310 KFKA, a news talk AM radio station, based in Greeley, Colo., within reach of one million" last_modified: "2021-06-15T20:00:03+00:00" categories: [Limited Series, news, Press releases] custom_fields: enclosure: "https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Stacy-Petty-Show-Hour-2.mp3\n19455189\naudio/mpeg" site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Izidor Ruckel reveals new film on live radio show Izidor Ruckel and his manager, Sarah Padbury, participated in a two-hour radio interview on the Stacy Petty Show on Friday, Aug. 7. The live broadcast is a daily show on 1310 KFKA, a news talk AM radio station, based in Greeley, Colo., within reach of one million listeners across northern Colorado. [![Sarah Padbury, Stacy Petty and Izidor Ruckel in studio at 1310 KFKA talk radio.](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Padbury-Petty-Ruckel-on-KFKA-300x169.jpg)](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Padbury-Petty-Ruckel-on-KFKA.jpg)Sarah Padbury, Stacy Petty and Izidor Ruckel in studio at 1310 KFKA talk radio. Petty interviewed the duo about several issues surrounding adoption. Ruckel described his experience growing up in a horrific Romanian orphanage before he was adopted by an American family at age 11. Padbury, an adoption advocate, talked about her life as the mother of six adopted children. Together they are working on turning Ruckel’s life story into a feature film, called _Izidor._ [![Izidor Ruckel on Stacy Petty Show](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Izidior-on-KFKA-165x300.jpg)](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Izidior-on-KFKA.jpg)The film follows Ruckel and eight of his orphanage friends when they are discovered in 1990 by American media after the fall of Communism in Romania. It also portrays several adults, both Romanian and American, who chose to risk their own lives on behalf of the orphans, convinced that their lives were worth saving. Ruckel concluded the interview by revealing he hopes the movie will not only inspire audiences to get involved in orphan care, but hopes it will change history for today’s orphans still imprisoned in institutions. “If I were to die, I’d like to finish one legacy,” Ruckel said. “Let me make history with this movie… to ensure that this history does not happen again – not only in Romania, but all across the world.” Listen to the radio interview (2 links): Stacy Petty Show — part 1 [https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Stacy-Petty-Show-Hour-1.mp3](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Stacy-Petty-Show-Hour-1.mp3) Stacy Petty Show — part 2 [https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Stacy-Petty-Show-Hour-2.mp3](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Stacy-Petty-Show-Hour-2.mp3) ### To receive Izidor Ruckel updates, sign up [here](http://izidorruckel.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6731c447fc725229f97107725&id=827293787c). To contact Izidor Ruckel, click [here](https://izidorruckel.com/contact-us/). --- --- title: "TVR: Bucharest, Romania" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/tvr-bucharest-romania/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Abandonaţi pe viaţă. Poveşti din orfelinatele groazei. Izidor Ruckel, several other adoptees, and government officials discuss Romanian international adoption issues. Watch the TVR story here." last_modified: "2021-06-25T01:32:44+00:00" categories: [news, Romanian news stories] tags: [Izidor, orphan, romania, Ruckel TVR] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # TVR: Bucharest, Romania Abandonaţi pe viaţă. Poveşti din orfelinatele groazei. Izidor Ruckel, several other adoptees, and government officials discuss Romanian international adoption issues. Watch the TVR story [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATjPf4rZv7w&t=19s). --- --- title: "Izidor Ruckel concludes 2-month tour of Romania" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-ruckel-concludes-2-month-tour-of-romania-orphan-florica-popescu-oradea-brasov-bucharest-protv/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Izidor Ruckel returned to the United States in early May after a two-month stay in Romania, his birth country. Due to major press coverage around the country and across Europe throughout his trip, citizens began approaching Ruckel in every city" last_modified: "2021-06-25T15:40:51+00:00" categories: [news, Press releases] tags: [Izidor, orphan, report, romania, ruckel, trip] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Izidor Ruckel concludes 2-month tour of Romania Izidor Ruckel returned to the United States in early May after a two-month stay in Romania, his birth country. Due to major press coverage around the country and across Europe throughout his trip, citizens began approaching Ruckel in every city he toured, including Bucharest, Cluj, Brasov, and Oreada. Several national and international media outlets interviewed Ruckel, including national television broadcasters [_ProTV_](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-ruckel-a-hit-on-live-romanian-tv/) and _[Sirile TVR](http://stiri.tvr.ro/salvati-din-orfelinate-acum-vor-ei-sa-ajute-copiii-orfani-din-romania_58125.html)_. Major newspapers also featured Ruckel: _[Ziare Live](http://www.ziarelive.ro/despre/izidor-ruckel.html),_ _[Stiri.com](http://www.stiri.com.ro/stire-85866/romanii-adoptati-peste-granite-s-au-intors-in-tara-sa-militeze-pentru-adoptiile-internationale.html#.VWpScmRVikp),_ and [_Buna Ziua Brasov_](http://www.bzb.ro/stire/adoptati-sau-abandonati-pe-viata-a84692). In addition, he participated in a lengthy interview by _[Radio Transilvania](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=incvTdBBWDc) _with two other international adoptees that was aired across Europe. “Everywhere I went, people recognized me,” Ruckel said. “Many stopped me on the spot to talk to me, saying that my story had inspired them to re-think about how they treat orphans and disabled people. I was so surprised and moved by this new generations’ openness to my message. Times have changed in Romania.” Ruckel held three speaking engagements during his tour. In Brasov, Faget, and Cluj he spoke through a translator to hundreds of people, raising awareness of orphan issues and inspiring local communities to help the needy in their midst. Ruckel shared his story of what life was like as an institutionalized, disabled orphan at the end of Communist rule in the 1990s. He emphasized the God-given value of each person, regardless of disability, and the right of every child to a family. Because adoption radically changed his life, Ruckel said his heart’s deepest desire is to see the same opportunity available for other orphans. [![speaking engagment 1](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/speaking-engagment-1-300x169.jpg)](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/speaking-engagment-1.jpg) [![Izidor Ruckel Branov speaking engagement](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/speaking-engagement-2-300x169.jpg)](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/speaking-engagement-2.jpg) _Alex Kuch, Veronica Clark and Izidor Ruckel speak in Branov. Engagement hosted by Azota Popescu (right) of the [Catharsis Association](http://www.catharsis.org.ro/)._ “I’m an adamant supporter of reopening Romania’s doors to international adoption, particularly for special needs children who cannot find a new family within Romania,” Ruckel said. “There are many people who would welcome a disabled child, if the government would change the current laws to make it possible. All children deserve the opportunity for a family, be they from Romania or from another country or from the moon.” Ruckel succeeded in meeting with several politicians regarding the current condition of the country’s state-run social welfare system. Parliamentarian [Florica Chereches](https://www.facebook.com/florica.chereches) is well known across Romania for her advocacy on behalf of orphans. She met with Ruckel on several occasions and invited guests to hear him speak. [![Calin Puia, Izidor Ruckel and Florica Chereches](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Izidor-Florica-and-Calin-in-Oradea.jpg)](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Izidor-Florica-and-Calin-in-Oradea.jpg)Calin Puia, Izidor Ruckel and Florica Chereches Chereches also introduced Ruckel to Calin Puia, director of the County Child Protection Department for Bihor County. Puia met with Ruckel in Oradea, the county’s capital city, and patiently answered Ruckel’s questions regarding the systems in place today for displaced children. Ruckel also toured an orphanage in the city and reported a vast contrast in conditions compared to when he lived in an institution 25 years ago. “I was impressed with the orphanage conditions,” Ruckel said. “The children were not zombies and they were actually attending school. The conditions were clean and each child had his own bed and a dresser – much different than when we slept four-to-a-bed on urine-soaked mattresses. The staff is also training them how to cook and clean.” In July, Ruckel will release a full report on his trip. The report will present Ruckel’s findings on the current state of Romania’s orphans, the improvements he hopes to see in the future, and what organizations are currently doing good work in-country. He will also reveal how the journey affected him personally, including visiting his old orphanage and meeting more of his biological family for the first time ever. We’ll keep you posted! Sign up for updates on Izidor Ruckel [HERE](http://izidorruckel.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6731c447fc725229f97107725&id=827293787c). --- --- title: "Radio Transilvania: Cluj, Romania" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidors-interview-on-radio-transilvania/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Radio Transilvania interview with international adoptees Izidor Ruckel, Veronica Clark and Alex Kush in Cluj, Romania. \"My goal in Romania is to create advocacy with citizens within the country.  the purpose for international adoption that I am personally fighting for" last_modified: "2021-06-25T01:40:25+00:00" categories: [news, Romanian news stories] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Radio Transilvania: Cluj, Romania _Radio Transilvania_ interview with international adoptees Izidor Ruckel, Veronica Clark and Alex Kush in Cluj, Romania. “My goal in Romania is to create advocacy with citizens within the country. [Also,] the purpose for international adoption that I am personally fighting for is the children with  special needs – those that cannot be adopted by Romanian families – should be available for international adoption.” [Listen to the entire interview on _Radio Transilvania_.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=incvTdBBWDc) --- --- title: "TVR 1: Brașov, Romania" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/salvati-din-orfelinate-acum-vor-ei-sa-ajute-copiii-orfani-din-romania/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "lvaţi din orfelinate. Acum vor ei să ajute copiii orfani din România A Stirile TVR1 news story announcing Izidor and Alex Kush's speaking engagement in Brașov, Romania. \"...After nearly a quarter century, Isidor and Alexander, two young adopted from the former" last_modified: "2021-06-25T17:10:40+00:00" categories: [news, Romanian news stories] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # TVR 1: Brașov, Romania lvaţi din orfelinate. Acum vor ei să ajute copiii orfani din România A_ Stirile TVR1_ news story announcing Izidor and Alex Kush’s speaking engagement in Brașov, Romania. “…After nearly a quarter century, Isidor and Alexander, two young adopted from the former communist Romania, now returned to the country to help children in orphanages…” _(Story archived.)_ --- --- title: "Către toti prietenii din România" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/for-our-romanian-friends/" lang: "en-US" type: "page" description: "Către toti prietenii din România Vă mulţumim pentru mesaje şi interesul manifestat faţă de Izidor Ruckel! În 1991 la vârsta de 11 ani Izidor a fost adoptat de o familie de americani. În orfelinat nu a avut ocazia să înveţe" last_modified: "2023-06-22T16:36:31+00:00" custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Către toti prietenii din România # IZIDOR’s Big Summer 2025 Vă mulţumim pentru mesaje şi interesul manifestat faţă de Izidor Ruckel! În 1991 la vârsta de 11 ani Izidor a fost adoptat de o familie de americani. În orfelinat nu a avut ocazia să înveţe să scrie sau să citească românește. Ajuns în America a învățat să scrie şi să citească în Engleză, care acum este limba lui principală. El mai vorbește puţin românește, însa, nu poate citi bine, şi vocabularul sau este limitat. Datorită acestui fapt, abilitatea lui de a vă răspunde în română este limitată. Ne cerem scuze că nu vă poate răspunde direct. Mai jos sunt câteva răspunsuri la întrebări frecvente adresate de mai multă lume. ### 1. Cum pot comanda cartea sau documentarul lui Izidor? [Click aici](https://izidorruckel.com/shop/) să comandaţi cartea _Abandoned for Life_ [Click aici](https://izidorruckel.com/shop/) pentru video documentarul _Given our Chance_ ### 2. Este disponibilă cartea sau documentarul in limba română? Nu. Momentan sunt doar în limba engleză. ### 3. Este websitul lui Izidor şi în limba română? Nu. Acesta este scris în engleză. Cei care doriţi puteţi folosi serviciul google pentru a traduce pagina din engleză in română. Rețineți faptul că traducerea făcută de google poate conține unele erori de gramatică lucru de care nu putem fi responsabili! ### 4. Poate Izidor să mă ajute să îmi găsesc familia biologică? Ne pare rau dar răspunsul este nu. Chiar daca el este solidar cu cei care doresc să îşi găseasca familiile biologice, Izidor nu are timpul şi resursele necesare să vă ajute în acest demers. ### 5. Am dificultăți financiare. Poate Izidor să mă ajute? Ne pare rău dar nu vă putem momentan ajuta financiar. Izidor este deocamdată o persona individuală şi nu o organizație non-profit care să poată ajuta persoanele în nevoie. Vă recomandam ca pentru moment, dacă sunteți în dificultate, să mergeți la o biserica locală să solicitați ajutor. ### 6. De ce aduce Izidor în discuție în mod repetat trecutul său de copil abandonat? Izidor are convingerea că Dumnezeu i-a dat această chemare să devină o voce pentru copiii abandonați din lumea întreaga, la fel cum şi el a fost abandonat timp de 11 ani. Izidor poate înțelege foarte bine pe orfanii care de multe ori sunt discriminați, ignorați, privați de atenție, educație sau alte oportunități. --- --- title: "Romanian Global News: Bucharest, Romania" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-ruckel-isi-reintalneste-in-romania-familia-biologica-care-l-a-abandonat-si-colegii-din-orfelinatul-groazei-de-la-sighet-la-24-de-ani-de-la-adoptie/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Izidor Ruckel îşi reîntâlneşte, în România, familia biologică care l-a abandonat şi colegii din orfelinatul groazei de la Sighet, la 24 de ani de la adopţie Romanian Global News featured Izidor's spring 2015 trip to Romania and his efforts to help" last_modified: "2021-06-25T17:09:34+00:00" categories: [news, Romanian news stories] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Romanian Global News: Bucharest, Romania Izidor Ruckel îşi reîntâlneşte, în România, familia biologică care l-a abandonat şi colegii din orfelinatul groazei de la Sighet, la 24 de ani de la adopţie _Romanian Global News_ featured Izidor’s spring 2015 trip to Romania and his efforts to help the country’s orphans. _(Story archived.)_ --- --- title: "Izidor Ruckel a hit on live Romanian TV" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-ruckel-a-hit-on-live-romanian-tv/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Ruckel’s Facebook page explodes during six nights of live interviews on ProTV’s “La Măruță” Izidor and Marlys visit Tasnad, Romania BUCHAREST, ROMANIA 3/17/15: Izidor Ruckel’s scheduled 2-day interview on ProTV’s “La Măruță” was extended to 6 days on the live" last_modified: "2021-07-01T02:14:31+00:00" categories: [news, Press releases] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Izidor Ruckel a hit on live Romanian TV **Ruckel’s Facebook page explodes during six nights of live interviews on _ProTV’s _“La Măruță”** [![Izidor and Marlys visit Tasnad, Romania](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Izidor-and-Marlys-in-Tasnad-300x169.jpg)](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Izidor-and-Marlys-in-Tasnad.jpg)Izidor and Marlys visit Tasnad, Romania _BUCHAREST, ROMANIA 3/17/15:_ Izidor Ruckel’s scheduled 2-day interview on ProTV’s [“La Măruță](https://www.facebook.com/LaMaruta.ro/info?tab=page_info)” was extended to 6 days on the live broadcast as the show’s ratings skyrocketed last week. Izidor surprised the audience by revealing his adoptive mother, Marlys Ruckel, had returned to Romania with him. [![Website visits by country](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/website-visits-by-country-286x300.png)](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/website-visits-by-country.png)Website visits by country The exposure sent Izidor’s public [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Izidor-Ruckel/467801940038720?sk=timeline) stats soaring with new page “likes,” up 159,163.2% in just four days. Today, the page continues to gain momentum hourly with over 43,000 “likes.” In addition, his website [IzidorRuckel.com](https://izidorruckel.com/) experienced a flood of traffic as thousands of visitors from Romania, the United States, and across the globe checked out the site. The initial broadcast on Mar. 9 revealed video of the mother and son traveling back to the orphanage in Sighetu Marmatiei where Marlys first met Izidor as a 10-year-old boy in 1991. The footage showed Izidor, sometimes on the verge of tears, walking through the rooms of the now abandoned institution and telling stories of his difficult life there, including pointing out where countless babies and several friends had died of abuse or neglect. Marlys stated it was difficult to revisit the orphanage, but she was grateful it was closed and there were no longer children housed there. TV host [Cătălin Măruță](https://www.facebook.com/CatalinMarutaOficial) asked Izidor what it was like to be adopted after living in such horrible conditions for so long. “It’s like I was reborn,” Izidor said, sitting comfortably next to his mom on a floral couch on the brightly lit set. “I just wanted someone to love me and accept me for who I am. And she did.” When asked what he thinks of when he hears the word “mother,” Izidor had a one word reply: Marlys. Izidor endured six surgeries to save his legs after coming to America, which were withered due to contracting polio as a baby. Marlys described how she never left his side during his hospital stays, except for the last surgery, where his father, Danny Ruckel, remained with him. Izidor noted Marlys even remained faithful during his rebellious years. “She _is _my mother,” he said. “There’s no doubt about it.” [![TV Host Catalin Maruta and Izidor Ruckel on the set of "La Maruta"](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Izidor-and-host-300x169.jpg)](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Izidor-and-host.jpg)TV Host Catalin Maruta and Izidor Ruckel on the set of “La Maruta” Măruță surprised the two with an unexpected guest, Anca Maxim. Twenty-four years ago, Marlys spent seven weeks in Romania attempting to finalize the paperwork to adopt Izidor. Anca was Marlys’ translator and assistant. When Marlys had to return home to take care of her other three children, Anca helped finish up the court requirements in Romania, and then escorted Izidor to America. The women were delighted to be reunited. [![Catalin Maruta and Marlys, Romania's favorite adoptive mother](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Marlys-and-host-300x169.jpg)](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Marlys-and-host.jpg)Catalin Maruta and Marlys, Romania’s favorite adoptive mother On Mar. 11, the show brought on another surprise guest, Izidor’s biological mother, Maria. Izidor and Marlys had traveled to Tasnad the week before where Marlys and Maria met for the first time. Maria presented conflicting stories of the circumstances surrounding Izidor’s adoption, leading to tension on the set. Maria offered to take a polygraph test, which she failed. The 3-night controversy sent the show’s ratings through the roof, and led to much public criticism of Maria. But Izidor attempted to put an end to the attacks by telling Maria that he was not angry with her, believed she did what she thought was best for him at the time, and forgave her for abandoning him. “Eveyone is picking on her because she abandoned me,” he told Măruță. “But what about the other 160,000 abandoned children? Where are _their_ parents?” In a Facebook posted dated Mar. 15, Izidor made another public plea. “If you believe in God then you know that God has already asked you not to judge others unless you want to be judged as well,” he wrote. “So what I am asking [is] this – do not be harsh to my birth mother and do not judge her for how she responded and how she was on TV. [![Izidor and Marlys with his biological parents, Izidor Sr. and Maria](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Izi-Marlys-Izidor-Sr-Maria-300x169.jpg)](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Izi-Marlys-Izidor-Sr-Maria.jpg)Izidor and Marlys with his biological parents, Izidor Sr. and Maria “… She may not understand a lot of things and that is OK for me. If she did not do what she did by putting me into an orphanage, I would not be here today and I would have not had the opportunity that I had. Please remember this God allowed this to happen for a purpose.” Izidor pointed to his faith in Christ as the source of his ability to forgive and be emotionally healed from his past trauma. In addition, he credited the compassion and guidance of his adoptive parents and siblings: “It is through their example that I have become an advocate for orphans’ rights.” Izidor now travels to Brasov, where he will hold a [speaking engagement](https://www.facebook.com/events/654812941307698/) on Saturday, Mar. 21, with two other former Romanian orphans, Alex Kuch (adopted by a German family) and Veronica Clark (adopted by an American family). The trio will be advocating for the right of every child to a family, including re-opening Romania’s doors to international adoption for those who cannot be placed with families within the country. The event is open to the public and will be held at the 5-star Aro Palace hotel in the Europa Conference Center, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ### --- --- title: "ProTV’s La Măruţă: Bucharest, Romania" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-ruckel-on-protvs-la-maruta-adoption-international-romania-orphan/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "On March 9, 2015, Izidor Ruckel was interviewed on live TV by Cătălin Măruţă on ProTV's \"La Măruţă\" in Bucharest, Romania. His appearance on the show was extended to six days (Mar 9-13 and 16) due to skyrocketing ratings when his adoptive mom," last_modified: "2021-06-25T17:27:34+00:00" categories: [news, Press releases, Romanian news stories] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # ProTV’s La Măruţă: Bucharest, Romania [![la maruta title](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/la-maruta-title.png)](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/la-maruta-title.png) On March 9, 2015, Izidor Ruckel was interviewed on live TV by [Cătălin Măruţă](https://www.facebook.com/CatalinMarutaOficial?ref=br_tf) on ProTV’s “La Măruţă” in Bucharest, Romania. His appearance on the show was extended to six days (Mar 9-13 and 16) due to skyrocketing ratings when his adoptive mom, birth mom, and several other surprise guests were brought onto the show. [![La Maruta editions list](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/La-Maruta-editions-21-300x283.png)](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/La-Maruta-editions-21.png)Watch the shows here: Edition 127 : 3 videos Edition 128: 3 videos Edition 129: 5 videos Edition 130: 4 videos Edition 131: 3 videos _(Story archived.)_ --- --- title: "Stirile ProTV: Bucharest, Romania" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-s-a-reintalnit-cu-parintii-care-l-au-abandonat-in-orfelinatul-groazei-din-sighet-reactia-mamei-sale-biologice_adoption_romania_ruckel/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Izidor s-a reintalnit cu parintii care l-au abandonat in orfelinatul groazei din Sighet. Reactia mamei sale biologice A Stirile ProTV news story featuring Izidor's return to Romania in March 2015 and reunion with his biological parents. \"Izidor reunited with parents who" last_modified: "2021-06-25T01:53:47+00:00" categories: [news, Romanian news stories] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Stirile ProTV: Bucharest, Romania Izidor s-a reintalnit cu parintii care l-au abandonat in orfelinatul groazei din Sighet. Reactia mamei sale biologice A_ Stirile ProTV_ news story featuring Izidor’s return to Romania in March 2015 and reunion with his biological parents. “Izidor reunited with parents who abandoned him in an orphanage of horrors in Sighet. His biological mother’s reaction…” [Watch the full video at_ ProTV.ro._](http://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/stirileprotv-special/izidor-tanarul-salvat-din-orfelinatul-groazei-de-la-sighet-si-a-revazut-parintii-biologici-ce-spune-despre-acestia.html) --- --- title: "Stirile ProTV: Bucharest, Romania" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/povestea-lui-izidor-tanarul-salvat-din-iad-acum-20-de-ani-cosmarul-trait-in-caminul-pentru-minori-din-sighetul-marmatiei_ruckel_adoption_romania/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Povestea lui Izidor, tanarul salvat din \"iad\" acum 20 de ani. Cosmarul trait in caminul pentru minori din Sighetul Marmatiei A Stirile ProTV news story featuring Izidor touring his old orphanage with his adoptive mom in March, 2015. \"Izidor's story," last_modified: "2021-06-25T01:59:37+00:00" categories: [news, Romanian news stories] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Stirile ProTV: Bucharest, Romania Povestea lui Izidor, tanarul salvat din “iad” acum 20 de ani. Cosmarul trait in caminul pentru minori din Sighetul Marmatiei A_ Stirile ProTV_ news story featuring Izidor touring his old orphanage with his adoptive mom in March, 2015. “Izidor’s story, the young man rescued from ‘hell’ 20 years ago who lived in a nightmare home for minors in Sighetu Marmatiei…” [Watch the full video at_ ProTV.ro._](http://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/stirileprotv-special/povestea-lui-izidor-tanarul-salvat-din-iad-acum-20-de-ani-cosmarul-trait-in-caminul-pentru-minori-din-sighetul-marmatiei.html) --- --- title: "Izidor Ruckel touring Romania with ProTV" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-ruckel-touring-romania-with-protv/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Former Romanian orphan visits his old orphanage and birth family BUCHAREST, ROMANIA 3/7/15: Izidor Ruckel, America’s most well-known Romanian adoptee, arrived in Romania March 1. On his first trip back to his home country in a decade, Izidor is spending" last_modified: "2021-06-17T21:54:24+00:00" categories: [news, Press releases] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Izidor Ruckel touring Romania with ProTV Former Romanian orphan visits his old orphanage and birth family BUCHAREST, ROMANIA 3/7/15: Izidor Ruckel, America’s most well-known Romanian adoptee, arrived in Romania March 1. On his first trip back to his home country in a decade, Izidor is spending the first two weeks of a two-month visit touring the country with _ProTV_. _ProTV’s_ [Irina Fodor ](https://www.facebook.com/irina.fodor.9?fref=photo)is traveling with Ruckel as he re-traces his former life in Romania, including visiting his orphanage in Sighetu Marmației, a small northern town on the Romanian-Ukrainian border, and meeting up with his birth family. ![Irina Fodor with Ruckels autobiography](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Irina_Fodor.jpg)Irina Fodor with Ruckel’s autobiography Ruckel brought Fodor a copy of his autobiography _Abandoned for Life_ for her review. He hopes to communicate his love for his home country, especially for the children who still struggle as unwanted orphans, as he once did. “I do not want to embarrass my home country or rehash the wrongs of the past,” Ruckel said. “Instead, I want to be a part of Romania moving into the future: a future where all children, no matter what their parents’ circumstances, are seen as precious and worthy of respect, education and opportunity.” Ruckel will be a guest on [La Măruță](https://www.facebook.com/LaMaruta.ro/info?tab=page_info), _ProTV’s_ primetime entertainment news magazine, on Monday and Tuesday, March 9-10, airing at 5:30 p.m. Romanian time. Ruckel encourages viewers to tune in for footage of his visit to the orphanage he lived at for the first 11 years of his life, as well as his first time meeting relatives from his extended biological family. In addition, Ruckel has a big surprise for planned for the live show. Tune in Monday to see his announcement! ![Ruckel with his biological family](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Ruckel_biological_family.jpg)Ruckel with his biological family --- --- title: "John Upton" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/john-upton/" lang: "en-US" type: "page" description: "Private: Dev Page John Upton with several orphans he rescued (Tom Szalay) On October 5, 1990, San Diego resident John Upton saw the alarming ABC News 20/20 report on secret Romanian asylums that were warehousing thousands of special needs children" last_modified: "2026-02-05T22:27:18+00:00" custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "no-sidebar" site-content-layout: "page-builder" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" site-post-title: "disabled" ast-featured-img: "disabled" --- # John Upton # IZIDOR’s Big Summer 2025 ![John Upton with several orphans he rescued](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/John-with-several-orphans-he-rescued-2.jpg)John Upton with several orphans he rescued (Tom Szalay) On October 5, 1990, San Diego resident John Upton saw the alarming ABC News 20/20 report on secret Romanian asylums that were warehousing thousands of special needs children in appalling conditions.  He was so moved by their plight, four days later he flew to Romania to rescue as many children as possible. His target: the orphanage the news report deemed to have “Auschwitz-like” conditions. It was there, at the Home Hospital for Irrecoverable Children, that John met Izidor and his friends. ## How do you choose who goes and who stays? I first met Izidor in the fall of 1990. After viewing an _ABC News 20/20_ program about the plight of abandoned Romanian children, God compelled me to travel to Romania to rescue some children. What I believed to be a two-week trip turned into a five-year odyssey. When I arrived at the Home Hospital for Irrecoverable Children in Sighetu Marmatiei, I was stunned by the misery and need there. I was equally stunned by the spirit of some of the children, surprised that it hadn’t been beaten out of them. ### RESCUING IZIDOR Two of the children who [moved] me were Izidor and his friend, Izabela. I remember Izidor literally grabbing my leg and making me sit down next to him. He told me through my interpreter that he wanted out of that hell and as he held me in his eyes, he made me promise him that I would help. I made that promise. Izabela was far subtler, but no less compelling. I spent the next two weeks searching hundreds of miles for Izidor’s birth parents that had abandoned him. At every gypsy village I would ask for the family, and I never found them. Finally after 6 weeks, I needed to return home to my family in America. As I said my goodbyes to the children I had promised to help, I sat down with Izidor. God led me to boldly guarantee that within two years, he’d be attending school in America. ![John interviewing children at orphanage](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/John-interviewing-children.jpg)ABC News 20/20 interviewing John Upton at orphanage (Tom Szalay) ![John choosing children at orphanage](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/John-choosing-children.jpg)John Upton selecting children at the orphanage (Tom Szalay) Upon my return home, I met, through God’s providence, the Ruckel family. They came to my home and I showed them a videotape of Izidor and Izabela. They cried when they saw my two friends, and vowed to take them into their hearts and home if it was possible to liberate them. My staff in Romania assisted the Ruckel family in making the necessary arrangements to free them both and bring them to America… ### IZIDOR RESCUES OTHERS It would have been easy for Izidor to distance himself from the horror of his past and focus only on himself, his good fortune, and his recovery. But Izidor isn’t built that way. He wanted every one of his friends to share his good fortune. Izidor prodded and pushed me not to forget the children of Romania and held my feet to the fire to continue to rescue his friends. By the grace of God, I was able to do that, in large part because of Izidor’s prayers and encouragement. Izidor the man has not forgotten the friends that he left behind as a boy. To this day, he is prodding and pushing people not to forget the abandoned children of Romania… Izidor is not finished with Romania. He is on a hero’s journey. Please support him. _– John Upton __(1956-2013)_ John eventually helped over two dozen Romanian orphans travel to the United States for medical care or adoption, fostering many of them in his own home, and inspired the rescue of thousands more. The Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker went on to advocate for domestic social justice issues and was the founder of Media4aCause, a nonprofit dedicated to producing short documentaries free of charge for worthy causes. Tragically, in March 2013, John was shot and killed by Michael Vilkin, the disgruntled owner of a vacant lot next to John’s house. Vilkin was convicted of first-degree murder in June 2014. I miss my friend, and look forward to reuniting with him in heaven one day. _– Izidor_ ![John Upton, Ruckels, kids arrive home](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/1991-Izidor-arrives-home.jpg)John Upton, Ruckels, children arrive home (Debbie Principe) - [Izidor Ruckel](https://izidorruckel.com/meet-izidor/) - [Izidor Story Team](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story-team/) - [Izidor Story, LLC](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story/) ![John feeding Elena at orphanage](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/John-feeding-Elena.jpg) ![John Upton and Izidor meet for first time](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/John-and-Izidor.jpg) ![John leaving orphanage with children](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/John-leaving-with-children.jpg) Photo: Tom Szalay (3) --- --- title: "Press releases" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/news/press-releases/" lang: "en-US" type: "page" last_modified: "2021-05-06T21:58:41+00:00" custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Press releases --- --- title: "Speaking" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/speaking/" lang: "en-US" type: "page" description: "Speaking Izidor is a sought-after speaker, utilizing his life story to educate and encourage audiences to participate in orphan care. Over the last twenty years, Izidor's work on behalf of vulnerable children has taken him to dozens of states across" last_modified: "2024-10-12T19:37:04+00:00" custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "no-sidebar" site-content-layout: "page-builder" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" site-post-title: "disabled" ast-featured-img: "disabled" --- # Speaking # IZIDOR’s Big Summer 2025 Izidor is a sought-after speaker, utilizing his life story to educate and encourage audiences to participate in orphan care. Over the last twenty years, Izidor’s work on behalf of vulnerable children has taken him to dozens of states across America, from California to Washington, D.C., and Texas to Wisconsin. He also travels to Romania regularly to speak up on behalf of the children left behind, meeting with government agencies, civic organizations, nonprofits, and the press. Izidor is available to speak at events for organizations in the United States, Canada, and Europe that promote orphan care and the value of special needs children. [Speaker request](https://izidorruckel.com/speaking/speaker-request-form/) [Interview request](https://izidorruckel.com/news/media-interview-request/) [Izidor’s bio](https://izidorruckel.com/meet-izidor/) _ When  I  speak  to  people,  I  get  to  move  past  my  scars  and  offer  others  the  hope  I  found  on  the  other  side  of  healing. Children  around  the  world  still  suffer.  But  if  we  advocate  for  them  together,  we  can  expose  the  problems  and  make  a  difference. – Izidor  Ruckel _“I’ve visited and worked in orphanages all over the world, but nothing compares to the horrific institutions I saw in Romania in the 1990’s. Izidor Ruckel spent 11 years in one of those tragic places. Many adoptees would have remained bitter and broken because of it. Instead, Izidor chose to forgive and views his challenging past in Romania as a gift to be used for good. He is an inspiration to us all. If Izidor chooses not to live as a victim, how can we?”_ _Dr. Jane Aronson_ _CEO, [Worldwide Orphans](https://www.wwo.org/)_ _Adoption Medicine Specialist_ ## Orphan Advocacy in the United States ### Izidor has appeared in: ![](https://izi1.claesjonasson.dev/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/TheStoryofUs-1200x480.jpg) ![ABC 20/20 logo](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ABC_2020_logo.png) ![BBC World Service](https://izi1.claesjonasson.dev/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/BBC_World_Service_2019.png) ![Los Angeles Times logo](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Los_Angeles_Times_logo1.svg) ![NPR logo](https://izi1.claesjonasson.dev/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/nprlogo_rgb_whiteborder_custom-7c06f2837fb5d2e65e44de702968d1fdce0ce748-s1500-c85-1200x406.png) ![Your Brighter Day podcast](https://izi1.claesjonasson.dev/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/YDBPodCover™-600x600-1.png) ![](https://izi1.claesjonasson.dev/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Washington-post.png) ![San Diego Union Tribune](https://izi1.claesjonasson.dev/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/SanDiegoUnionTribune.png) ![The Atlantic logo](https://izi1.claesjonasson.dev/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/the-atlantic-logo.png) ![Izidor and Morgan Freeman](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Izidor-and-Morgan-Freeman.jpg) Morgan Freeman interviewed Izidor for the docu-series [_The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman_](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/shows/the-story-of-us-with-morgan-freeman/episode-guide/season-01/episode-03-the-power-of-love/vdka13104273) where Izidor shared how adoption changed his life in the episode “the power of love.” ![Your Day Brighter podcast](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Your-Day-Brighter-podcast.jpg) Tracey Tiernan interviewed Izidor for her podcast “[Your Brighter Day](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2U7G9zon31fNX0cLavoTYH),” where he explained why advocating for orphans is so important to him. ![Izidor speaking at a church](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Izidor-speaking-at-a-church.jpg) The annual [College Ethics Symposium](http://www.ethicssymposium.org) in Hilton Head, SC, featured Izidor as its keynote speaker. ![Izidor speaking to a group](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Izidor-speaking-to-group.jpg) Izidor toured several colleges as the featured speaker for the [Both Ends Believing](https://bebglobal.org/), leading group discussions to enlist the next generation of leaders to find solutions for the world’s orphans. ## Orphan Advocacy in Romania ### Izidor has appeared in: ![Pro-TV logo](https://izi1.claesjonasson.dev/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Pro-TV-3.png) ![Antena 1 station logo](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Antena-1-station.png) ![Antena 3 station logo](https://izi1.claesjonasson.dev/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Antena-3-station.jpeg) ![Digi 24 logo](https://izi1.claesjonasson.dev/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Digi-24.png) ![Acces Direct logo](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/acces-direct.jpg) ![TVR 2 logo](https://izi1.claesjonasson.dev/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/TVR-2.png) ![La Maruta logo](https://izi1.claesjonasson.dev/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/La-Maruta.jpeg) ![DOR magazine logo](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/DOR-magazine.png) ![adevarul newspaper logo](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/adevarul-newspaper-1.png) ![Izidor speaking at ARFO in Bucharest](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Izidor-speaking-at-ARFO.jpg) Izidor speaks at an orphan advocacy conference in Romania. ![Izidor and Marlys with hosts of La Maruta](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/La-Maruta.jpg) Izidor and his mom, Marlys Ruckel, made [news across Europe](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-ruckel-a-hit-on-live-romanian-tv/) when they appeared on _Pro-TV’_s well-known, live talk show La Maruta_ for several days, offering a beautiful picture of an adoptive family’s love and commitment to each other. ![Making candles at LLR camp](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/LLR-camp.jpg) Izidor served two years in Romania at [Love Light Romania](https://lovelightromania.com/), a nonprofit dedicated to providing support services to children and families affected by AIDS/HIV and poverty. ![Izidor introduces Romanian premiere of Morgan Freeman's series](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Romanian-premiere-introduction.jpg) Izidor hosted the [Romanian premiere](https://izidorruckel.com/ruckel-attends-romanian-premiere-of-the-story-of-us-with-morgan-freeman-and-heads-back-to-the-u-s/) of the limited series _The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman_ in Bucharest, followed by a press conference with a panel of Romanian child welfare experts. ![Izidor, Marlys and Catalin Maruta](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Izidor-with-Catalin-maruta.jpg) Izidor partnered with talk show host [Catalin Maruta](https://www.facebook.com/CatalinMarutaOficial) to facilitate over a dozen adoptee reunions with their birth families. --- --- title: "Shop" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/shop/" lang: "en-US" type: "page" description: "Private: Copy of Shop Even the Sparrow Has Found a Home Abandoned for Life Even the Sparrow Has Found a Home Even the Sparrow Has Found a Home is a 140-page documentary photography book by Tom Szalay. The photos begin in" last_modified: "2026-02-11T21:23:09+00:00" custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "no-sidebar" site-content-layout: "page-builder" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" site-post-title: "disabled" ast-featured-img: "disabled" ast-title-bar-display: "disabled" --- # Shop ## IZIDOR’s Big Summer 2025 ![Even the Sparrow Has Found a Home book cover](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/9b74321890d8fb4ba5c0097e5cd062f3.jpg) Even the Sparrow Has Found a Home [](#sparrow) ![Abandoned for Life book](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/book-cover.jpg) Abandoned for Life [](#abandoned) ![Even the Sparrow Has Found a Home book cover](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/9b74321890d8fb4ba5c0097e5cd062f3.jpg) ## Even the Sparrow Has Found a Home _Even the Sparrow Has Found a Home_ is a 140-page documentary photography book by Tom Szalay. The photos begin in 1991 when Tom, on assignment for a major newspaper, captured Izidor’s arrival in America. Tom then documented several more children arriving in 1993, and the photos conclude in 2015 when Szalay revisited the children – now young adults.  He ends by accompanying Izidor back to visit the haunted place where they all were raised. By clicking the “Buy” button, you accept our [Terms of Use](https://izidorruckel.com/terms-of-use/), [Privacy Policy](https://izidorruckel.com/privacy-policy/), and [Disclaimer](https://izidorruckel.com/disclaimer/). **$39.00 print $9.99 digital $39.00 print + digital** [Buy the book](https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/542697) _As shocking as [Szalay’s] [original] photos were, the story inevitably faded from American headlines. But Szalay revisited several of those “unsalvageables”…. His photos and descriptions reveal lingering emotional and physical scars._ _Don Barletti_ _2003 Pultzer Prize winner for Photography_ _[Don Barletti Photography](https://donbartlettiphotography.com)_ _Tom’s book brought back so many memories for me. To see pictures of my friends and me so young and now as grown ups – Wow! When Tom came to see me after so long, he looked different, but he was still the same sweet man. His love for us comes through in his pictures._ _Christina Principe_ _Former orphan from Sighetu Marmatiei_ _[Creations by Christina](https://www.facebook.com/Creationsbychristinarose/?fref=ts)_ _Tom Szalay’s work allowed me to really see Romanian orphans through Izidor’s eyes for the first time. Very vivid work. The caption with Marin’s photo at his “dinner table”… So painful. Though I’m sorry such terrible subject matter exists in this world, I am also glad Tom documented it._ _Brad Horn_ _Journalist and Filmmaker_ _[Brad Horn Multi Media](http://www.bradhornmultimedia.com/)_ ![Abandoned for Life book](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/book-cover.jpg) ## Abandoned for Life _Abandoned for Life_ recounts Izidor Ruckel’s life as an abused and neglected Romanian orphan, his ensuing adoption by an American family, and his ongoing struggles as an adoptee. Izidor finally finds hope and healing when he reaches out to God, and is then led to become a crusader for the orphans left behind. _**New updated and expanded edition that follows Izidor’s life up to present day is coming in 2025.**_ Sign up to be notified when the new book is released: [Notify me](https://izidorruckel.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6731c447fc725229f97107725&id=827293787c) _We’ll treat your information in accordance with our [Terms of Use](https://izidorruckel.com/terms-of-use/), [Privacy Policy](https://izidorruckel.com/privacy-policy/), and [Disclaimer](https://izidorruckel.com/disclaimer/)._ _Deeply insightful and sincere, Izidor has opened the door into a world that very few people ever thought existed – the truth about an orphan’s life. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about adoption, read about a human being’s inner power to survive and thrive, and to be part of a larger mission to help Romanian orphans._ _Diana Doroftei_ _Author, [The Little Book of Romanian Wisdom](http://www.romanianwisdom.com/)_ _As an adoptive parent, [Izidor’s book] gave me a better understanding of what my child may have experienced. Izidor is an inspiration who deeply cares about children’s rights, and he is a great example of what is possible for someone who believes they can make a difference for others._ _Jodi Slein_ _Adoptive Parent (Romania)_ _Maryland_ _Ruckel provides the reader with a modern history of Romania from the Communist era to the Ceausescu regime which directly led to the abandonment of thousands of children nationwide. Although Ruckel’s story highlights the horrors of orphanage life, the reader will find it hard to put this book down…_ _Amy Kravitz_ _Adoptive Parent (Russia)_ _New Jersey_ --- --- title: "News" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/news/" lang: "en-US" type: "page" last_modified: "2021-05-06T21:58:08+00:00" custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # News --- --- title: "Home page" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/" lang: "en-US" type: "page" description: "No heat. No toys. No education. Scraps of food. Could you imagine being beaten for the simplest things you did? Could you imagine seeing your friends die of starvation? Or knowing a friend who just gave up on living because" last_modified: "2026-02-12T17:29:46+00:00" custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "no-sidebar" site-content-layout: "page-builder" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" site-post-title: "disabled" ast-title-bar-display: "disabled" ast-featured-img: "disabled" --- # Home page # **No heat. No toys. No education. Scraps of food.** Could you imagine being beaten for the simplest things you did? Could you imagine seeing your friends die of starvation? Or knowing a friend who just gave up on living because life was too cruel to him? That’s what life was like for me in a Romanian asylum for the first 11 years of my life. But just when I thought my life was pointless, a kind nanny took me home for the night. I experienced the love of family for the first time in my life. And from that moment on, all I could think about was how to escape and find where I belong. _— Izidor Ruckel_ ## To  belong  is  to  be  alive. ## I want my life to be more than just another “orphan tale.” **Instead, it can be the story that launches real change for millions of vulnerable children by educating the public on orphan and adoptee issues.** I’m currently working on a **short film** and **limited series** based on my life story. The **[short film](https://izidorstory.com/about/)**[ ](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story/short-film/)reveals the disparity between how institutionalized children experience life compared to children in families. The **[limited series](https://izidorstory.com/izidor-limited-series/)** breaks down several adoption myths and explores how traumatized children and families can truly find healing. Join with us to make these needed tools for change a reality with your donation today. [DONATE NOW](https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/izidor) _Your tax-deductible donation will be processed by The Film Collaborative, a nonprofit that offers fiscal sponsorship to filmmakers._ ![The Film Collaborative logo](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/tfc_logo_tfcorg_reg.png) ![A woman and limping little boy exit through an animated, scary metal gate with the words asylum for irrecoverable children, and out into a beautiful, tree-lined path](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Web-wide-black-izidor-1200x676.png) ### _IZIDOR_ (short film) [](https://izidorstory.com) ![Izidor limited series poster](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Izidor-16x9-1.jpg) ### Izidor (limited series) [](https://izidorstory.com/izidor-limited-series/) ## Alone doesn’t even begin to describe it… A disabled orphan in the Home Hospital for Irrecoverable Children in Romania. How would he ever leave there? Let alone become an international speaker and orphan advocate? The path was not just unlikely. **_It was impossible._ ** And then the miracles happened. Meet Izidor Ruckel. [Izidor’s bio ](https://izidorruckel.com/meet-izidor/) ![izidor in the orphanage](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Izidor-in-orphanage.jpg)First image of Izidor in 1990 (John Upton) ## Recommended posts: - [![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Laurels-Poster-768x432.jpg) ](https://izidorruckel.com/izidors-big-summer-2025/) [ ### IZIDOR’s Big Summer 2025 ](https://izidorruckel.com/izidors-big-summer-2025/) - [![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/dirty-movies-768x470.jpg) ](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-iosua-barbu-is-a-marvel-in-the-role-of-izidor/) [ ### ‘izidor’ Review: Iosua Barbu is a marvel in the role of Izidor ](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-iosua-barbu-is-a-marvel-in-the-role-of-izidor/) - [![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_8721-768x450.jpg) ](https://izidorruckel.com/indie-wrap-some-films-dont-just-entertain-they-move-us/) [ ### Indie Wrap: Some films don’t just entertain — they move us. ](https://izidorruckel.com/indie-wrap-some-films-dont-just-entertain-they-move-us/) - [![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/bond-on-cinema-2-768x452.jpg) ](https://izidorruckel.com/bond-on-cinema-what-happens-when-izidor-experiences-family-for-the-first-time/) [ ### Bond on Cinema: What happens when Izidor experiences family for the first time? ](https://izidorruckel.com/bond-on-cinema-what-happens-when-izidor-experiences-family-for-the-first-time/) [MORE NEWS ITEMS](https://izidorruckel.com/news/) “You are not alone” – Izidor --- --- title: "Izidor Ruckel" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/meet-izidor/" lang: "en-US" type: "page" description: "Private: Dev Page Brief biography Izidor Ruckel is the author of Abandoned for Life, which reveals his life as a neglected Romanian orphan and ensuing adoption by an American family, and the producer of the two-time award-winning documentary Given Our" last_modified: "2026-02-04T17:29:06+00:00" custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "no-sidebar" site-content-layout: "page-builder" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" site-post-title: "disabled" ast-featured-img: "disabled" --- # Izidor Ruckel # IZIDOR’s Big Summer 2025 ## Brief biography Izidor Ruckel is the author of _Abandoned for Life_, which reveals his life as a neglected Romanian orphan and ensuing adoption by an American family, and the producer of the two-time award-winning documentary _Given Our Chance_. Izidor is a sought-after orphan advocate, speaking to groups across the United States and Romania on behalf of orphans still lingering in institutions worldwide. He is currently working on turning his life story into a short film and limited series to raise awareness of the ongoing issues orphans and adoptees face. Dozens of national and international media outlets have featured Izidor’s story, including _The Atlantic_, _The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman_, _BBC World Service_, _Los Angeles Times_, _The Washington Post_, _National Public Radio_, _ABC News 20/20_, and all of Romania’s national news outlets. ![Izidor Ruckel](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Izidor-Ruckel.jpg) - [FULL bio](#fullbio) - [Izidor story team](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story-team/) - [John Upton](https://izidorruckel.com/john-upton/) - [Speaker request](https://izidorruckel.com/speaking/speaker-request-form/) - [Interview request](https://izidorruckel.com/news/media-interview-request/) ## Recent media interviews [![](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-05-at-1.15.03 PM-1200x791.jpg)](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-a-tender-glimpse-into-a-hidden-past/) ## [‘izidor’ Review:  A Tender Glimpse into a Hidden Past](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-a-tender-glimpse-into-a-hidden-past/) Scene for Scene film critic Reina K gives IZIDOR a 4.5-star review. “In just under thirty minutes, IZIDOR manages to stir the soul, break your heart, and gently piece it back together again…” [![Three young boys watch the sunset](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-04-at-4.32.12 PM-1200x740.jpg)](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-an-artfully-sincere-homage-to-survivors/) ## [‘izidor’ Review: An artfully sincere homage to survivors](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-review-an-artfully-sincere-homage-to-survivors/) Cinemacy founder and film critic Morgan Rojas reviews IZIDOR. [![Authority Magazine cover](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-17-at-12.02.25 PM-1200x575.png)](https://izidorruckel.com/authority-magazine-sarah-padbury-of-izidor-story-things-i-wish-someone-told-me-when-i-first-became-a-filmmaker/) ## [Authority Magazine: Things I wish someone told me](https://izidorruckel.com/authority-magazine-sarah-padbury-of-izidor-story-things-i-wish-someone-told-me-when-i-first-became-a-filmmaker/) Authority Magazine interviews writer/producer Sarah Padbury about her journey from advocating for children through adoption to writing and producing the film IZIDOR. [MORE NEWS](https://izidorruckel.com/news/) ## Full biography ### IZIDOR’S HISTORY Izidor Ruckel was one of tens of thousands of neglected orphans discovered by Western media when Romania, recently freed from Communism’s 40-year grip, opened its doors to foreign press in 1990. _ABC News 20/20_ produced several reports that revealed the country’s brutal warehousing of disabled children, including a story that featured Izidor’s particularly brutal orphanage. A San Diego couple, Danny and Marlys Ruckel, found out about Izidor and adopted him in 1991. Izidor was born healthy, the third child in his family, but became severely ill at 6 months old. After a lengthy hospital stay, Izidor’s legs became twisted and doctors told his parents he had contracted an unknown disease. His parents left him there and never came back. At the age of three, officials transferred Izidor to the Home Hospital for Irrecoverable Children, located in the northern town of Sighetu Marmatiei on the Romanian-Ukrainian border. Izidor survived appalling conditions for eight more years until American filmmaker John Upton made it his mission to help Izidor and his friends escape to America. Once Izidor arrived in the United States, doctors determined he had contracted polio as an infant. His untreated condition required several surgeries. But in the end, doctors were able to save his legs, designing a removable leg brace so he could function self-sufficiently. However, healing his heart took longer. Izidor credits God’s unconditional love and his adoptive parents’ steady support as the forces that broke through his bitterness from childhood trauma and allow him to lead an independent, productive life. ### IZIDOR’S EARLY ADVOCACY WORK In 2001, _ABC News 20/20_ accompanied 20-year-old Izidor back to Romania for the first time. Producers surprised Izidor when they reunited him with his birth family. He also visited the asylum he grew up in, where conditions had improved for some children, but not for the most severely disabled. In addition, some of his old friends had “aged out” of the child welfare system, released to beg in the streets or transferred to an old folks’ home. Romania halted all international adoptions in 2004, trapping the most vulnerable children in institutions. The trip inspired Izidor to write his autobiography, _Abandoned for Life_, in hopes that his story might help other orphans escape, as he did. Armed with his experience and a passion to give voice to those left behind, Izidor became a sought-after orphan advocate, partnering with several organizations over the years to bring awareness to the issue. Izidor teamed up with another Romanian adoptee, filmmaker Alex King, to create a documentary on international adoption and Romanian orphans. In 2014, _Given Our Chance_ received the Platinum Remi Award at the Worldfest-Houston International Film Festival, as well as a My Hero Award from the My Hero International Film Festival. ### IZIDOR’S GLOBAL EFFECT In 2015, Izidor made news across Europe for a nine-day appearance on the well-known Romanian talk show _La Maruta_(think: Oprah meets Dr. Phil). Izidor served two years (2016-2018) in Romania at Love Light Romania, a nonprofit dedicated to providing support services to children and families affected by AIDS/HIV.  On Jan. 10, 2018, he attended the Romanian premiere of the limited series _The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman_, in which Freeman interviewed Izidor about how “the power of love” changed his life. The annual College Ethics Symposium in Hilton Head Island, SC, featured Izidor as its keynote speaker in 2018. Today, Izidor is working to have his life story  turned into both a [short film](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story/short-film/) and [limited series](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story/izidor-limited-series-2/). He hopes telling his journey on-screen will lift the message of the value of every human life to a bigger platform, moving a worldwide audience to help vulnerable children and adding the history of Romania’s orphans to the film canon. Click [here](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story/) to learn more. Dozens of national and international media outlets have featured Izidor’s story, including _The Atlantic, BBC World Service_, _Los Angeles Times_, _The Washington Post_, _National Public Radio_, _ABC News 20/20, _and all of Romania’s national news outlets. - [Short bio](#shortbio) - [Izidor story team](https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-story-team/) - [John Upton](https://izidorruckel.com/john-upton/) - [Speaker request](https://izidorruckel.com/speaking/speaker-request-form/) - [Interview request](https://izidorruckel.com/news/media-interview-request/) “I  share  my  story  so  that  other  orphans,  adoptees,  and  their  families  can  know  that  they  are  not  alone  in  what  they’ve  gone  through. I  may  not  be  able  to  save  the  world,  but  if  I  can  help  one  life  at  a  time, it’s  worth  it.” — Izidor --- --- title: "Izidor Limited Series" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-limited-series-2/" lang: "en-US" type: "page" description: "A disabled orphan escapes a hellish Romanian orphanage through adoption, only to grow up and discover he still isn’t free. LIMITED SERIES: Watch this 5-minute clip of Izidor revealing why post-Communist Romania had so many abandoned children and Izidor's goals for" last_modified: "2026-02-12T17:44:36+00:00" custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "no-sidebar" site-content-layout: "page-builder" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" site-post-title: "disabled" ast-featured-img: "disabled" --- # Izidor Limited Series ![Izidor limited series poster](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Izidor-16x9-1.jpg) # _A disabled orphan escapes a hellish Romanian orphanage through adoption, only to grow up and discover he still isn’t free._ LIMITED SERIES: Watch this 5-minute clip of Izidor revealing why post-Communist Romania had so many abandoned children and Izidor’s goals for the limited series. _*This video contains images that some viewers may find disturbing. Viewer discretion advised.*_ IZIDOR (the limited series) is a coming-of-age, dramatic limited series that follows a disabled orphan’s struggle to escape his tortuous past and prove he is human and valuable, a “real” boy. His Pinocchio-like journey begins when Western media uncovers a secret long veiled by the Iron Curtain. ## History For twenty-four years, Romania’s dictator Nicolae Ceausescu pressured families to have at least five children in order to build his army. The fallout for tens of thousands of abandoned children was imprisonment, torture, and death in hidden government asylums. Thousands of “Ceausescu’s children” escaped across the globe as adoption skyrocketed en masse worldwide. IZIDOR mirrors the story of millions of families, including the painful consequences they never imagined. Set in the 1990’s in Romania and San Diego, IZIDOR follows the true story of what happened to 10-year-old Izidor and his orphan friends during the Collapse of Communism: some saved through international adoption and others left behind. ## Animation and live action The appalling conditions that warehoused these children were too brutal to reenact with child actors. Thus, the series depicts the orphanage scenes with a dramatic style of animation. This artistic choice allows the audience to experience an emotional connection to the physical and psychological anguish they endured, and also entrenches them with the orphans on their path through the series to truth and self-discovery. On screen for the very first time, the story of Romania’s abandoned children sheds light on the global issues of orphan discrimination and human rights. The story also highlights the people who navigated uncharted territory, risking their lives and livelihood to help the children escape and heal. The limited series is already written and we are looking for production partners. **[Contact us](https://izidorruckel.com/request-access/)** for login access to the show bible and other production documents. --- --- title: "Izidor Ruckel to visit Romania" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-ruckel-to-visit-romania/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Former Romanian orphan to meet with officials to discuss improving orphan’s conditions DENVER, CO, 1/15/15: Izidor Ruckel, America’s most well-known Romanian adoptee, is traveling to Romania in March to meet with government officials and child welfare workers to discuss ways" last_modified: "2021-06-25T17:37:28+00:00" categories: [news, Press releases] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Izidor Ruckel to visit Romania Former Romanian orphan to meet with officials to discuss improving orphan’s conditions DENVER, CO, 1/15/15: Izidor Ruckel, America’s most well-known Romanian adoptee, is traveling to Romania in March to meet with government officials and child welfare workers to discuss ways to improve living conditions for the country’s orphans, including those living in institutions and in the streets. Izidor lived the first 11 years of his life in an appalling Romanian institution, giving him personal motivation to reach out and help those who live as he once did. “I do not want to embarrass my home country or rehash the wrongs of the past,” Ruckel said. “Instead, I want to be a part of Romania moving into the future: a future where all children, no matter what their parents’ circumstances, are seen as precious and worthy of respect, education and opportunity.” In 1991, an American family adopted 11-year-old Ruckel from an orphanage in Sighetu Marmatiei, a remote city in northern Romania. He returned to Romania in 2001, accompanied by _ABC News 20/20_, and visited his old orphanage, reuniting with several old friends. Upon returning back to the United States, Ruckel felt compelled to advocate for institutionalized children everywhere. Ruckel completed his autobiography _Abandoned for Life_ in 2003, and has spent the last decade speaking around the country to raise awareness and funds for those left behind. In 2013, Ruckel teamed up with filmmaker Alex King, another Romanian adoptee, to produce a two-time award winning documentary about Romanian adoption called Given Our Chance. Ruckel’s return to Romania this spring signals a new hope in his heart: to see how he can personally help local communities and government officials motivate the public to help its lost children. He plans to travel around the country for several weeks, talking to anyone who will listen. On Mar. 21, Ruckel and Alex Kush, an former orphan adopted by a German family, will give a presentation in Brasov, which they hope will encourage Romanians to step up and help the orphans in their midst. They also hope to inspire the area’s struggling orphans to not give up. Like Ruckel, Kush has advocated for orphans across the globe, including speaking before the Romanian Parliament in 2013 where he advocated for the re-opening of international adoption. Romania has remained closed to international adoption since 2003. Ruckel created an online campaign to raise $2000 to cover some of the trips’ travel expenses, as well as to purchase a few gifts for his friends who were never adopted, “aged out” of the orphanage, and were transferred directly to an “old folks’ home.” “I asked two of my friends what I could bring them,” Ruckel said. “They both said they wanted a CD player and CDs so they can listen to music. With all they’ve been through, this was the biggest dream they could think of.” Ruckel also hopes to provide a dinner party, bringing together his former orphanage friends and some of the nannies who showed them kindness. To learn more about the campaign, and to consider donating, visit our fundraiser page _(link removed)_. “If God could rescue me – an orphan once considered not worthy enough to potty train, let alone educate – to become an athlete, an author, and a film producer, then what do you think it could be like for others who are given a chance in life?” ##### --- --- title: "ABC Radio National: Sydney, Australia" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/romanias-abandoned-children/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Australian Broadcasting Corporation Radio National interviewed Izidor Ruckel on Jul. 6, 2014. View images and listen to the program." last_modified: "2021-06-25T02:05:16+00:00" categories: [Global news stories, news, Recommended] tags: [Australia, Izidor, orphan, radio, romania, ruckel] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # ABC Radio National: Sydney, Australia _Australian Broadcasting Corporation Radio National_ interviewed Izidor Ruckel on Jul. 6, 2014. [View images and listen to the program.](http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/allinthemind/romania27s-abandoned-children/5502878) --- --- title: "World Magazine: From orphan to advocate" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/from-orphan-to-advocate/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Izidor Ruckel works the night shift at a Denver Walmart. Adopted from Romania in 1991 at age 11, he also speaks around the United States about the plight of Romanian orphans, especially those with special needs … Read the full" last_modified: "2021-06-25T02:10:44+00:00" categories: [news, U.S. news stories] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # World Magazine: From orphan to advocate Izidor Ruckel works the night shift at a Denver Walmart. Adopted from Romania in 1991 at age 11, he also speaks around the United States about the plight of Romanian orphans, especially those with special needs … [Read the full story here at _World Magazine_](https://world.wng.org/2014/04/from_orphan_to_advocate) --- --- title: "Radio New Zealand National: Wellington, New Zealand" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/writer-izidor-ruckel/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Radio New Zealand interviewed Izidor Ruckel on Mar. 17, 2014. Listen to the interview on Radio New Zealand" last_modified: "2021-06-25T02:15:04+00:00" categories: [Global news stories, news] tags: [Izidor, New Zealand, orphan, radio, romania, ruckel] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Radio New Zealand National: Wellington, New Zealand _Radio New Zealand_ interviewed Izidor Ruckel on Mar. 17, 2014. [Listen to the interview on _Radio New Zealand_](http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/2589251/writer-izidor-ruckel) --- --- title: "Público: Lisbon, Portugal" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/o-rapaz-do-documentario/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "O rapaz do documentário Article in Portuguese newspaper Público about Izidor and Alex King making their documentary Given Our Chance about Romanian orphans on Mar. 9, 2014. Read full article in Público." last_modified: "2021-06-19T19:50:35+00:00" categories: [Global news stories, news] tags: [Izidor, orphan, Portugal, romania, ruckel] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Público: Lisbon, Portugal O rapaz do documentário Article in Portuguese newspaper _Público_ about Izidor and Alex King making their documentary _Given Our Chance_ about Romanian orphans on Mar. 9, 2014. [Read full article in _Público_](http://www.publico.pt/mundo/noticia/o-rapaz-do-documentario-1627260). --- --- title: "The San Diego Union-Tribune: Romanian orphan turns lens to his past" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/romanian-orphan-turns-lens-to-his-past/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "For the first 11 years of his life, every person Izidor Ruckel loved, he lost. He contracted polio as an infant in Romania in the early 1980s, and his parents left him at a hospital and never went back …" last_modified: "2021-06-26T11:07:43+00:00" categories: [news, U.S. news stories] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # The San Diego Union-Tribune: Romanian orphan turns lens to his past ![Article about Izidor in San Diego Union-Tribune](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Screen-Shot-2017-08-16-at-4.52.45-PM-1-300x270.jpg) For the first 11 years of his life, every person Izidor Ruckel loved, he lost. He contracted polio as an infant in Romania in the early 1980s, and his parents left him at a hospital and never went back … [Read the full story from _The San Diego Union-Tribune_](https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/people/sdut-romanian-orphan-izidor-ruckel-documentary-2014feb26-htmlstory.html) --- --- title: "NPR Morning Edition: Orphans’ Lonely Beginnings Reveal How Parents Shape A Child’s Brain" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/orphans-lonely-beginnings-reveal-how-parents-shape-a-childs-brain/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Parents do a lot more than make sure a child has food and shelter, researchers say. They play a critical role in brain development … Read more and listen to the story from NPR's Morning Edition" last_modified: "2021-06-19T16:14:41+00:00" categories: [news, U.S. news stories] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # NPR Morning Edition: Orphans’ Lonely Beginnings Reveal How Parents Shape A Child’s Brain Parents do a lot more than make sure a child has food and shelter, researchers say. They play a critical role in brain development … [Read more and listen to the story from _NPR’s Morning Edition_](http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/02/20/280237833/orphans-lonely-beginnings-reveal-how-parents-shape-a-childs-brain) --- --- title: "Onet: Kraków, Poland" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/dziecko-z-piekla/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Dziecko z piekła Article on Poland's Onet featuring Izidor's story. Original story removed from online access." last_modified: "2021-06-18T00:06:19+00:00" categories: [Global news stories, news] tags: [Izidor, orphan, Poland, romania, ruckel] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Onet: Kraków, Poland Dziecko z piekła Article on Poland’s _Onet_ featuring Izidor’s story. _Original story removed from online access._ --- --- title: "Radio România Actualităţi: Bucharest, Romania" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/izidor-ruckel-isi-povesteste-viata-pentru-a-inspira-alti-orfani/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Izidor Ruckel îşi povesteşte viaţa pentru a inspira alţi orfani Izidor's efforts on behalf of Romanian orphans are featured in this article and interview from Radio România Actualităţi. Read full story and listen to interview at Radio România Actualităţi" last_modified: "2021-06-19T19:56:03+00:00" categories: [news, Romanian news stories] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Radio România Actualităţi: Bucharest, Romania Izidor Ruckel îşi povesteşte viaţa pentru a inspira alţi orfani Izidor’s efforts on behalf of Romanian orphans are featured in this article and interview from _Radio România Actualităţi_. [Read full story and listen to interview at _Radio România Actualităţi_](http://www.romania-actualitati.ro/izidor_ruckel_isi_povesteste_viata_pentru_a_inspira_alti_orfani-57724) --- --- title: "Stirile ProTV: Bucharest, Romania" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/povestea-lui-izidor/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Washington Post: Povestea lui Izidor, orfanul care a scapat din \"Casa Irecuperabililor\". De ce vrea sa se intoarca in Romania Romania's Stirile Pro TV story about Izidor's efforts to speak out on behalf of Romanian orphans in the US. Read" last_modified: "2021-06-19T20:00:06+00:00" categories: [news, Romanian news stories] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Stirile ProTV: Bucharest, Romania [![Washington Post- Povestea lui Izidor, orfanul care a scapat din Casa Irecuperabililor. De ce vrea sa se intoarca in Romania](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Povesta-lui-Izidor.jpg)](http://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/stirileprotv-special/izidor-ruckel-orfanul-care-a-scapat-de-iadul-din-romania-in-washington-post-planul-prin-care-poate-salva-si-alti-copii.html) Washington Post: Povestea lui Izidor, orfanul care a scapat din “Casa Irecuperabililor”. De ce vrea sa se intoarca in Romania Romania’s _Stirile Pro TV_ story about Izidor’s efforts to speak out on behalf of Romanian orphans in the US. [Read the full story at _Stirile Pro TV_](http://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/stirileprotv-special/izidor-ruckel-orfanul-care-a-scapat-de-iadul-din-romania-in-washington-post-planul-prin-care-poate-salva-si-alti-copii.html) --- --- title: "teinteresa.es: Madrid, Spain" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/psicosis-y-depresion-el-legado-de-170-000-ninos-de-los-orfanatos-de-la-era-ceascescu/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Psicosis y depresión, el legado de 170.000 niños de los orfanatos de la era Ceascescu Spanish news coverage of Izidor and the plight of Romanian orphans on Jan. 31, 2014. Read the full article on teinteresa.es" last_modified: "2021-06-25T02:22:50+00:00" categories: [Global news stories, news] tags: [Izidor, orphan, romania, ruckel, Spain] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # teinteresa.es: Madrid, Spain [![Psicosis y depresión, el legado de 170.000 niños de los orfanatos de la era Ceascescu](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Spanish-article.jpg)](http://www.teinteresa.es/mundo/Psicosis-depresion-legado-orfanatos-Ceascescu_0_1076292678.html#sr=bcboepofegpsmjgf.dpn&m=r&cp=(sfgfssbm)&ct=-tmc&ts=1405015708) Psicosis y depresión, el legado de 170.000 niños de los orfanatos de la era Ceascescu Spanish news coverage of Izidor and the plight of Romanian orphans on Jan. 31, 2014. [Read the full article on _teinteresa.es_](http://www.teinteresa.es/mundo/Psicosis-depresion-legado-orfanatos-Ceascescu_0_1076292678.html#sr=bcboepofegpsmjgf.dpn&m=r&cp=(sfgfssbm)&ct=-tmc&ts=1405015708) --- --- title: "Washington Post: A lost boy finds his calling" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/a-lost-boy-finds-his-calling/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Orphan no more: Adoption freed Izidor Ruckel from the hell of his Romanian orphanage. But his physical and mental scars aren’t easily escapable. He picks up a camera — the tool that hastened his rescue — to try to spare" last_modified: "2021-06-19T15:50:08+00:00" categories: [news, Recommended, U.S. news stories] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Washington Post: A lost boy finds his calling Orphan no more: Adoption freed Izidor Ruckel from the hell of his Romanian orphanage. But his physical and mental scars aren’t easily escapable. He picks up a camera — the tool that hastened his rescue — to try to spare others from suffering … [Read the full story and watch the video at _The Washington Post_ website.](http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/style/2014/01/30/a-lost-boy-finds-his-calling/) --- --- title: "Romania-USA: Chicago, USA" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/alex-king-and-izidor-ruckel-have-begun-filming-on-their-new-documentary-given-our-chance/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Alex si Izidor doi copii adoptati in anii '90 din orfelinatele din Romania, de catre 2 familii de americani, au inceput filmarile la un proiect de film documentar independent Alex King, the award winning filmmaker and director and editor of" last_modified: "2021-06-19T16:01:27+00:00" categories: [news, Romanian news stories] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Romania-USA: Chicago, USA [![Alex King and Izidor Ruckel have begun filming on their new documentary, "Given Our Chance"](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Izidor_and_Alex_filming.jpg)](http://rousa.blogspot.ro/2012/11/alex-king-and-izidor-ruckel-have-begun.html) Alex si Izidor doi copii adoptati in anii ’90 din orfelinatele din Romania, de catre 2 familii de americani, au inceput filmarile la un proiect de film documentar independent Alex King, the award winning filmmaker and director and editor of “Born To Be Our Children, Romanian Adoption Stories” has joined forces with Izidor Ruckel author of “Abandoned for Life” and public speaker … [Read the article at _Romania-USA_](http://rousa.blogspot.ro/2012/11/alex-king-and-izidor-ruckel-have-begun.html) --- --- title: "Actual MM.ro: Baia Mare, Romania" url: "https://izidorruckel.com/video-povestea-socanta-a-doi-tineri-din-casa-irecuperabililor-din-sighetu-marmatiei-ei-au-fost-adoptati-de-familii-de-americani/" lang: "en-US" type: "post" description: "Povestea socanta a doi tineri din “Casa Irecuperabililor” din Sighetu Marmatiei. Ei au fost adoptati de familii de americani Article about Izidor and Alex King's new documentary Given Our Chance. Read the article at ActualMM.ro" last_modified: "2021-06-19T16:07:45+00:00" categories: [news, Romanian news stories] custom_fields: site-sidebar-layout: "default" site-content-layout: "default" theme-transparent-header-meta: "default" --- # Actual MM.ro: Baia Mare, Romania [![VIDEO – Povestea socanta a doi tineri din “Casa Irecuperabililor” din Sighetu Marmatiei. Ei au fost adoptati de familii de americani](https://izidorruckel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Romania-video.jpg)](http://www.actualmm.ro/video-povestea-socanta-a-doi-tineri-din-casa-irecuperabililor-din-sighetu-marmatiei-ei-au-fost-adoptati-de-familii-de-americani/#) Povestea socanta a doi tineri din “Casa Irecuperabililor” din Sighetu Marmatiei. Ei au fost adoptati de familii de americani Article about Izidor and Alex King’s new documentary _Given Our Chance_. [Read the article at _ActualMM.ro_](http://www.actualmm.ro/video-povestea-socanta-a-doi-tineri-din-casa-irecuperabililor-din-sighetu-marmatiei-ei-au-fost-adoptati-de-familii-de-americani/#) ---