# 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. If it does not load, please click here to view the policy.
- [Privacy policy](https://izidorruckel.com/privacy-policy/): Privacy policy Please wait while the policy is loaded. If it does not load, please click here to view the policy.
- [Disclaimer](https://izidorruckel.com/disclaimer-2/): Disclaimer Please wait while the policy is loaded. 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