We’re Branden and Angelica from Ralston, Nebraska, and we are so excited to share our story with you. Becoming parents has been a dream we’ve carried in our hearts for as long as we’ve been together. We’ve been married for 10 wonderful years, filled with love, laughter, and faith — and now, we’re stepping into one of the most meaningful chapters of our lives: adoption.
For the past five years, we’ve walked a long and emotional road through infertility. We’ve endured multiple treatments, surgeries, and countless moments of hope followed by heartbreak. Through it all, our faith has been our anchor. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
We believe that God has been preparing our hearts for this all along — not just to become parents, but to become adoptive parents. We know that family is not defined by genetics, but by love, commitment, and the promise to cherish a child forever.
We are currently in the adoption process and working through our home study. Each step brings us closer to the child that God has chosen for us. It’s both exciting and humbling to imagine the moment when we finally get to hold our son or daughter for the first time.
Adoption is a beautiful journey, but it comes with significant financial costs. Between home studies, agency fees, legal expenses, and travel, the total can reach around $40,000–$50,000. We are working hard to make this dream a reality — saving every bit we can, hosting fundraisers, applying for grants, and taking on extra work.
We’re thrilled to share that we have been awarded a $3,500 matching grant from Lifesong for Orphans! 🙏 This means that every dollar donated — up to $3,500 — will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of your gift. Funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward our home study fee and other adoption-related expenses that bring us one step closer to welcoming our child home.
We are reaching out to our family, friends, and community to ask for your help. Every prayer, donation, and word of encouragement means the world to us. Your support not only helps us financially but also reminds us that we’re surrounded by a village that believes in love, faith, and family.
Thank you for being part of our story, for believing in us, and for helping make our dream of becoming parents come true. We can’t wait for the day we get to introduce you to the little one who will make our hearts and family complete.
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 “Prestridge 11782”, 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