"Boy from Baby House 10" on NBC "Today" Friday

In a day that most assuredly will be full of surprises, John Lahutsky of Bethlehem Township will be whisked off to New York City early Friday for a live appearance on the "Today Show" scheduled for 8:35am.

“John was delighted when I told him he was to appear on the 'Today Show,'” said adoptive mom Paula Lahutsky. “He thinks he is going on the show as a follow-up to the 'Dateline' program that aired April 10.”

The program traced his journey from a Russian orphanage to his new life and home in Bethlehem Township. 

What John doesn’t know is that if all goes well, he will be reunited with the friend, Andrei Vorobyov, with whom he shared his metal crib and taught to speak at Baby House 10 before both children were eventually adopted through the Orthodox Church of America by their respective families.

“Andrei and John have been in touch by phone and email but haven't seen each other since 1997 when Andrei was adopted,” said Paula. “I am excited and happy for this reunion; Andrei is a very special person in John’s life.”  

Another surprise in store for John is that he will be honored the same day at the Yankees H.O.P.E. Week Celebration. The acronym H.O.P.E. stands for “Helping Others Persevere and Excel,” recognizing those who show “that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture.”

“He won't know about the reunion with Andrei or being honored by the Yankees till it actually happens,” said Paula. “It has been challenging working on all of this behind John's back but well worth it.” Paula gives credit to the New York Yankees for including John on the final day of their H.O.P.E. Week and organizing the reunion between Andrei and John. 

If there is anyone whose story elicits hope and encouragement, it is the boy who survived Baby House 10, caught the eye of so many advocates and was adopted by a chance advertisement in a church bulletin.

Now graduated from Freedom High School at the age of 21 after overcoming all the obstacles that delayed his development in the Russian orphanage, John will pursue his education at Northampton Community College and soon obtain his Eagle Scout award.  Already an accomplished author and aspiring filmmaker, John is a reminder that all things are possible with a little bit of hope.