PORTLAND (AP) – A Gardiner couple who adopted a Cambodian infant who was brought to the U.S. for treatment of an extremely rare genetic disorder were among this year’s recipients of the Angels in Adoption Award.

Mark Hughes and Susan Potter were among adoptive parents from around the country who were honored Thursday in Washington, D.C. by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute.

Potter became aware of the girl, who at 23 months weighed only 10 pounds when she arrived from Cambodia in 2000 for treatment for Pallister-Hall syndrome, a disorder that usually causes body malformations.

Maya received five months of advanced treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital and had six major surgeries.

Touched by the girl’s story, Potter and Hughes applied to adopt her. Now 9, Maya is a healthy fourth-grader who enjoys gymnastics.

Sen. Susan Collins, who nominated the couple for the award, said Maya’s story was “truly touching. I was very impressed with Susan and Mark for all that they have done to ensure that Mya grows up a happy and healthy child.”

AP-ES-10-04-07 1558EDT