Umstead
Family
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Umstead Family Progress
About The Umstead Family
Thomas & Heather
We are so thankful to be represented by Brittany’s Hope and are proud to represent! We have four grown children and were just getting used to the slow life, when God placed adoption on us. Our idea was one adoption, but God is now directing us to our third! Our first adoption was our son Samuel in 2017. We knew Samuel had Down syndrome, but he also had a surprise diagnosis of Autism. He is such a blessing!
While adopting Samuel, my husband Tom met Leila “Joy.” Joy shared a crib with our son Samuel the three years prior. We returned for Joy in 2019. Joy also has Down syndrome and a heart defect. She is a light in our life! So smart and happy!
Which leads us to our third adoption. “Auden,” a little guy we knew of when we were adopting Samuel (he also has Down syndrome). He too was in the same orphanage. We asked to spend some time with him while we were there for Joy. We weren’t permitted to, but we were able to see him. He was in bad shape. We were able to share his condition with a beautiful lady who pulled some strings and got him moved to a healing home. He is now safe and loved, and just waiting for travel to open so he can have his forever family. We are very grateful for your support. Whether it be financial or spiritual, we are thankful!
Donate to the Umstead Family Adoption
What is a Brittany's Hope Adoption Grant?
Brittany’s Hope believes in the fundamental right of all children to have the security and love of a family. There are an estimated 153 million orphans living around the world (UNICEF – 02/2011). These staggering statistics are heartbreaking considering a large number of these children are special needs, who have little or no value in the eyes of their own country. They are left to languish in institutions, where they receive minimal care and live hopeless, helpless lives.
The cost of international adoption can be overwhelming and is only further compounded by the medical and accessibility costs a child with special needs presents. Our Adoption Grant Program provides grant monies while giving families the opportunity to assist Brittany’s Hope in raising funds so the next child may also be united with their forever family. The phrase “It takes a village to raise a child,” takes on new meaning as the “seeds” of the adoptive family’s friends, family and neighbors take root and help provide future families with adoption grants. With a gift to Brittany’s Hope, a donor’s monetary support of the Adoption Grant Program means double for the adoptive family.