Two of Baby R's South African "angels" have been awarded a place in American history.
Attorney Debbie Wynbrow and her husband and partner, Brad Oliver, who fought a battle of more than two years in three South African courts so that Baby R could be adopted by an American family, will be inducted into the American Adoption Hall of Fame in Washington DC in April.
In a letter written to Wybrow and Oliver, National Council For Adoption president and CEO Thomas Atwood explained their selection as award winners.
"Would you allow NCFA the honor of inducting you into our Adoption Hall of Fame? The landmark legal decision you have accomplished through your sacrifice and vision, inspired by your compassion, would make you one of our most worthy recipients ever of this prestigious award."
Speaking to The Mercury on Wednesday, Wybrow said she was "overjoyed" by the honour".
"It was a very long and hard battle receiving this award is a real blessing and affirmation for us."
Baby R's new parents - who have been invited to attend the Hall of Fame award - earlier described Wybrow as an "angel who has given so much so that this little girl can have a family".
Baby R, who was abandoned head-first in a bucket when she was only a few days old, was adopted in October last year