Inspirational family with daughter 'born without face' adopts orphan with same condition

The Wetmore family visited a little girl in an orphanage with the same condition as their own daughter and knew they had to give her a home

A family whose daughter has a condition which means her face isn't fully formed has adopted an orphan - because she was born with the same health problems.

The Wetmore family's birth daughter Juliana has Treacher-Collins syndrome, which means that she was born deaf and without 40% of the bones in her face.

Brave Girl: Juliana was born without 40% of the bones in her face and has undergone more than 45 surgeries

Now 12, she has had more than 45 surgeries in her short life, and mum and dad Tami and Thom have supported her throughout, and say her brain and body are in perfect health.

But when the couple heard about Danica's situation, they took it upon themselves to support her too.

The little girl, who is also 12, was living in an orphanage in Ukraine when the Watmores first visited her.

Strong support: Parents Thom and Tami have adopted four children altogether, one with the same genetic condition as their birth daughter Juliana

Tami explained to USA Today that the decision to adopt wasn't a hard one: "It's just, you felt it in your heart. We knew, as soon as I saw her. I knew, in my spirit, 'Go get your daughter.'

"That's exactly what I felt is, 'Go get your daughter."

Also born with Treacher-Collins syndrome, Danica's facial condition is less severe, and she shares her sister's deafness.

Future chance: Danica was in an orphanage when Thom and Tami first visited her and they fell for her as their own daughter

As a girl who would have almost certainly been ejected from care at a certain age and left to fend for herself, Danica has been incredibly lucky finding a family to be a part of.

After six happy years, the love and laughter that the family share is second to none, and Danica and Juliana have become firm friends.

Thom says that Danica is a quirky girl who loves expressing herself through painting and drawing.

Sisters and friends: Danica, left, has been adopted from a Ukrainian orphanage as a sister to Juliana, right

Julian's favourite pastimes include watching films and playing with her sisters.

The couple, who have since adopted three more children, says that their love for Danica and Juliana is unconditional.

Thom adds: "Whatever you first think of somebody when you see them on the outside, that's not what they are on the inside."