JMJ
Most of you know we have felt called by God to adopt two of our children into our family from a family member who couldn’t care for them. These two beautiful children needed a home, and we joyfully opened our home, arms and hearts to first Anthony (now 15) and then Monica (now 10). These two children are a part of our family in every sense-they are Bucklings, and we pour our love into them as our children.
What some of you may not know is that our adoption journey with Anthony has been a difficult one, with many, many unforeseen struggles, financial hardships and a heavy emotional toll on everyone. We took Anthony into our home and almost immediately realized there was something very wrong. It took many hours upon hours of interventions, doctor assessments, therapy, medications, patience, love and prayer to realize he suffers from mental illness, and that he needs more specialized care than we are able to provide him. We spent years and years attempting to care for his very specialized needs that come from his mental illness, Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and PTSD, often finding that our whole family’s physical, financial and mental well-being were in danger. After much prayer, discernment and professional guidance, we decided to place him in a specialized school that specifically treats his mental illness. We keep in constant contact with both Anthony and the facility, and the entire family prays and sacrifices for him on a daily basis. We have never ceased pouring out our love upon his poor, wounded heart. He has made significant strides in his healing journey while under the care and treatment of this facility, and we are so grateful to God and to the facility. We pray and continue to hope he will continue to make progress with God’s GREAT grace, love and mercy, and with the facility’s great experience and expertise.
The facility that is treating him is an absolute Godsend to Anthony and to our family. They treat him with love and respect, while also knowing exactly how, and having the means, to help him grow into who God made him to be. This facility, however, comes at a considerable cost to us. We have sacrificed greatly to pay the monthly fees, none of which are covered by insurance or any other aid or help. We have a commitment to his healing and growth and need some assistance to continue to meet his needs.
Honestly, it’s a little difficult (because of our pride) to make our needs known to the body of Christ, but we have gotten to the point that we are deep in debt paying for his facility, and need some help to continue to meet his needs. Your friendship and support are deeply appreciated, and we would like you to pray and consider helping us in one or both ways in our adoption journey.
1. Please pray and sacrifice for Anthony in his healing journey, to learn and grow to know, love and serve God and be able to heal and grow into the young man God made him to be, and give Tom, Maria and the facility wisdom, discernment, and insight to help him as he needs and as God guides.
2. We have partnered with Lifesong for Orphans, a non-profit organization that helps pre and post adoption families. They have graciously and generously offered an Adoption Matching Grant of $6,000 to help pay Anthony’s treatment expenses! Will you please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us meet this matching grant? Our goal date is August 13, 2026, but funds will be accepted towards his treatment until he is out of the treatment facility.
There are two options for giving.
1. By mail. Please make checks payable to “Lifesong for Orphans.” In the memo, note “family account number, 90601” and “family name, Buck” to assure it goes to the correct account. Please mail to Lifesong for Orphans, PO Box 9, Gridley, IL 61744.
2. Give online. Go to www.lifesong.org/donate/family. Select “Give to an Adoptive Family.” Complete the online form and fill in “Family Account Number, 90601” and “Family Name, Buck”.
Thank you for supporting us through prayer, sacrifice and financially, if you are able! Please pray this entire process will glorify God and fulfill His purposes.
In Christ,
Tom and Maria Buck
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,Immaculate Heart of Mary and Sts. Anthony, Jude and Rita, pray for us!
Family Name: Buck Family Account Number: 90601
STRIPE charges an online processing fee (2.2% +.30 USD per transaction)*. Your donations will be decreased by this amount. You may also send a check payable to “Lifesong for Orphans”. In the memo line please write “Buck 90601”, to ensure it is credited to our account. Please mail to Lifesong for Orphans, PO Box 9, Gridley, IL 61744.
Lifesong has been blessed with partners who underwrite all U.S. administrative and fundraising costs (TMG Foundation and other partners). That means 100% of your donation will go directly to the adoption.
- In following IRS guidelines, your donation is to Lifesong for Orphans. This organization retains full discretion over its use, but intends to honor the donor’s suggested use.
- Lifesong is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. Individual donations of $50 or more and yearly donations totaling $250 or more will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Receipts for donations under $50 will gladly be sent upon request.
- *3.5% fee for donations given with an American Express card