Change a Life Campaign

The Family

While not biological siblings, Bamlak (4) and Hiwot (3) have shared many of the same experiences in their young lives in Ethiopia. Bamlak was raised by his mother until she passed away in December of 2009 due to complications from TB and HIV. Hiwot was raised by her mother until she passed away in October of 2010 as a result of AIDS. The two have lived in the same orphanage ever since and have become close friends. However, they were both quickly becoming older in adoption terms and they are both HIV+, making their chances of once again being part of a family incredibly slim.

Shannon and Kevin are no strangers to adoption, having already adopted 5-year-old Esen and 2-year-old Marissa. They view adoption as much more than just a way to build a family; they view it as a part of their lives and a part of who they are. They find great joy in their diverse family and in promoting adoption, specifically of special needs children. When they became aware of Bamlak and Hiwot’s need for a family, Shannon and Kevin were eager to step forward.

Having just recently completed the adoption of their daughter, Shannon and Kevin were not financially prepared to adopt again. However, they knew someone had to act on behalf of these kids and quickly decided it would be them. They held fundraisers, took on extra hours at work, exhausted their savings and retirement accounts and took out a loan. Their tremendous efforts brought them close to covering the $48,000 that it would cost to bring their children home, but not all the way. However, a $3,500 grant from Gift of Adoption will allow the family to cover their final expenses and to focus on bringing Bamlak and Hiwot home and into their family.

Gift of Adoption

Gift of Adoption is a national 501(c)3 non-profit focused on filling the void that separates child from family. They provide adoption assistance grants to qualified families who are struggling to cover the final costs of the often expensive adoption process.

Change a Life Campaign

The goal of this campaign is to raise enough funds to fully support this adoption assistance grant.

Short of actually adopting a child, this is one of the most direct and impactful ways for most of us to affect the lives of at-risk children like Bamlak and Hiwot. It is a gift that will not only provide love, nurturing and care today, but will also provide a lifelong sense of dignity and belonging. This campaign is a chance for all of us to make a direct impact on the enormous issue of parentless children.

Not only are donations tax-deductible, but 100% of all funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward this particular grant.