There are an increasing number of abandoned children awaiting help in China, said Deng Zhixin, a co-founder of Angel Mom, a grassroots organization in Beijing that helps orphans access medical treatment.

"All the children sent to us have health problems to a certain extent," Deng said. "For those with incurable problems, it is hard to find a family to adopt them."

Children with non-terminal illnesses encounter a slightly better situation. With the help of Angel Mom, more than 50 children have been adopted, but there are 42 still waiting for medical treatment and foster families.