Life has a way of testing our deepest resolves, but it's in those moments of profound sorrow that we often find the seeds of extraordinary hope. As founders of the St. Joseph Adoption Support Fund, my husband Darrin and I have walked a path marked by infertility, unimaginable loss, and ultimately, the joy of building our family through adoption and rainbow births. Today, we share our story not just to reflect on the pain, but to inspire other families facing similar challenges, as October is pregnancy and infant loss month. Through the fund, we aim to empower adoptive parents by alleviating financial burdens, allowing them to focus on the love and connection that adoption brings.
Our journey began with over two years of infertility, a silent struggle that tested our faith and our marriage. We prayed, we hoped, and finally, we rejoiced when we learned we were expecting. But at the 20-week ultrasound, our world shattered. Our baby was diagnosed with renal agenesis, a condition where the kidneys fail to develop, leaving no chance for survival outside the womb. Doctors presented options, including abortion, but we chose life. We believed every moment mattered, and we wanted to give her the dignity she deserved.
The delivery came via emergency C-section, a mix of anticipation and heartbreak. We were able to surround her with a room filled with love, our extended family gathered around, holding her tiny hands, cherishing her presence. We were able to name her and have her baptized right there, surrounding her with prayers and the warmth of her family. For one precious day, she was with us, her brief life a testament to unconditional love. When she passed peacefully in our arms, surrounded by those who loved her most, we were forever changed. Grief enveloped us, but so did a profound sense of peace in knowing we had honored her fully.
In the year that followed, we leaned on our faith and each other, seeking ways to heal and grow our family. That's when adoption entered our lives like a beacon. Through a thoughtful process guided by caring professionals, we connected with a birth mother who chose us to parent her child. Bringing home our daughter Sara was a moment of pure joy, turning our heartache into boundless hope. Today, at 28, Sara is a vibrant, accomplished woman whose presence reminds us daily of the beauty that can emerge from brokenness. Adoption didn't erase our loss, but it expanded our hearts in ways we never imagined. We adopted our second daughter 3 years later and Emma and Sara were our constant joy. Less than 18 months later we welcomed our first rainbow baby with Lauren and then 10 years after that we were blessed with Rose. Everyone of our girls holds a special place in our hearts, including Breanna our first born, residing in heaven.
Stories like ours highlight why adoption matters so deeply. The process involves home studies, legal steps, and often significant costs, expenses that can deter families already carrying emotional weights. That's precisely why we established the St. Joseph Adoption Support Fund through the Catholic Foundation of North Georgia. This endowment provides grants to Christian adoption agencies like Covenant Care Adoptions and Lifeline Children’s Services in the greater Atlanta area, helping families navigate these financial hurdles. By donating to the fund, you become part of a legacy that turns potential barriers into bridges, allowing more children to find loving homes and more families to experience the joy we found.
If you have experienced pregnancy or infant loss or know someone who has, remember: heartache doesn't have the final word. With support from communities and resources like our fund, hope can flourish. Visit the Catholic Foundation of North Georgia's website to learn more about the St. Joseph Adoption Support Fund and how your contribution can empower families to focus on loving a child rather than stressing over costs. Together, we can build futures filled with love.