Dear Friends and Family,
We’re Eric and Melanie, and we’ve been married for fifteen years. Over that time, God has blessed us with three incredible children—through both adoption and biological birth. Each homecoming was nothing short of a miracle, and in just three years, we went from zero to three kids!
Our oldest, Storm, came home to us at the age of five. He was the first to grow in our hearts and make us parents. Before joining our family, Storm spent a year in foster care and endured significant trauma, abuse, and neglect. These early experiences have deeply affected his development over the years.
Now 14, Storm is beginning to truly confront and process the pain of his past through counseling. He has been in therapy in some form since he was about five or six, but the challenges of adolescence, combined with his trauma, have intensified his emotional and mental health struggles. Over the past year, these challenges escalated to self-harm, suicide attempts, concerns for the safety of others among other things. Within one month, he was admitted to three different mental health facilities.
After many tears, prayers, and hard conversations, we made the painful but necessary decision to place Storm in a long-term residential treatment center—for his safety, for our family’s well-being, and to give him the best chance at healing. He’ll need to be there for at least a year. Thankfully, it’s a faith-based facility, which brings us comfort—but it’s also entirely private pay.
We’re facing an expected out-of-pocket cost of $70,000 to $100,000 or more. While we’re committed to doing whatever it takes to support Storm and our family, we can’t do this alone. We are humbly asking for help—whether through financial support or continued prayers. We have been awarded a $6000 matching grant from LifeSong for Orphans Adoption Fund, so whatever is donated here will be matched. Every bit makes a difference, and we are so grateful for your love and encouragement during this difficult journey. To God be the glory, for He is our hope!
With heartfelt thanks,
Eric & Melanie
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 “Smith 90584”, 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
