We had a strong feeling that we would adopt before we got married. At that point, we knew we wanted to raise a family together, but we were in our mid-30s, and Lauren’s health due to ulcerative colitis would have made a pregnancy risky.
In 2021, Lauren had her colon removed and endured months in the hospital and multiple follow-up procedures. Since then, though, she’s healthy for the first time in years, and we’re in a position to raise a family. When basketball season ended in 2022—a year after her surgery—we quickly decided that we were ready to pursue adoption.
Not long after we started the process, we heard a sermon series from Mark 5, in which Jesus heals two “daughters.” One had parents who were able to care for her and seek help, and one was on her own. We feel called to be parents for kids who need a family.
We have so much to offer children. We both grew up in wonderful families, and our families and the communities we’re part of now will be wonderful to our children.We have resources and a home that will allow us to support children and add them to our family through adoption. And adoption gives us a chance to be parents without risking a setback in Lauren’s health.
We welcomed our first son, Logan, through adoption in 2023. He is funny, smart, and very busy. He is loved by our families and communities at Grace Fishers and Fishers High School. We are excited for him to be a big brother and for this little girl to have the community and support of our village.
Like they did with our first adoption, Hands of Hope and Lifesong have come alongside us with a matching grant to offset the costs. We were surprised and extremely grateful for the $7,000 that they will match for us. So far, our adoption expenses have totaled about $31,000 and we are anticipating to spend about $32,000 more to finalize the adoption of our baby girl. We feel very fortunate to be in a financial position to pay for some of this ourselves, but are excited to invite our community, friends and family to support us in this exciting journey, as well.
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 “Votaw 11675”, 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