Just Enough

Our Story

Our ordinary family lives an extraordinary life thanks to our two youngest, Liam and Sara. After we had our first 3 children, we still had room in our hearts and in our home for more and soon became licensed to do foster care. After a year of waiting we got a call about a baby boy who was ready to be discharged from the hospital after spending a month in the NICU. His list of health concerns and complications was long but he needed love and a family and we were the lucky ones to say yes. Even though we were unsure of how long Liam would be with us we knew we could at least provide a good start to his life. Eventually adoption was something we knew we should, could, and would do and after a long and winding road we got permission to adopt him. From day one his pediatrician kept saying that he probably had a syndrome that we just didn’t know about. He had so many different anomalies but was never diagnosed with a specific syndrome. We met with a geneticist who felt it would be best to do a chromosomal microarray (CMA) to identify any chromosome abnormalities. Unfortunately our insurance denied the testing and it took us two years to finally convince them that it was medically necessary. Liam was diagnosed with 16p13.11 microdeletion syndrome. Basically he is missing part of his 16th chromosome. It is a very rare, genetic disorder but this diagnosis finally gave us answers to his many health issues and developmental delays. It also added new diagnoses that go hand in hand with his deletion. Liam also has Level 1 Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, ADHD, and hearing issues. He also has a G-tube which provides most of his nutritional needs. Although the list still remains long, we are happy to provide Liam with the support he needs to thrive. We have learned through Liam that special needs isn’t scary. It’s just different and a new “normal”. We also feel that he prepared and opened our hearts to adopt his baby sister Sara. The night of Liam’s adoption we committed to bring her home. Sara was born 6000 miles away in Ukraine and was born with Down syndrome (Trisomy 21). She was given up at birth and placed in an orphanage because of her diagnosis. Her birth country doesn’t offer the same services and support that we have here in the United States. Her parents felt hopeless and the doctor highly encouraged them to terminate their parental rights. She was listed with an organization called Reece's Rainbow and the minute we saw her picture she looked familiar and we felt she was the one. There was no doubt we would give her the gift of a family too. So we travelled to Ukraine and the rest is history. All of our children hold a special place in our hearts but Liam and Sara add that little extra to our ordinary family. They bring so much joy and happiness to our lives and we can’t imagine life without them. They have taught us compassion, acceptance, tolerance, and bravery in ways that we would have never learned without knowing them. Because our kids have to work extra hard in some areas, we have a greater appreciation for hard work. We celebrate even the littlest accomplishments and milestones and don't place limits on what they can do. We have all been changed for good knowing them. Saying this doesn't mean that it has been easy. Some days doubt creeps in and we feel defeated and deflated. Some days we want to give up but we don't because we can do hard things too. Soon that doubt is replaced with hope for a better tomorrow and for their future. We are reminded of our mission, to love, support, and advocate for our children and those who have "dif"abilities. We feel it is our responsibility to educate others that although we do have our differences, we are more alike than different. With the help and support of our family, friends, special needs family and community our journey and mission becomes easier. United Angels Foundation in particular has provided our family with activities, cultural events, holiday parties, dinners, parenting conferences, training courses, seminars, and more. With the services they provide we are able to have fun, learn, grow, and associate with professionals and other families who understand our special circumstances. We also love that United Angels encompasses all abilities. Because of this we are able to celebrate Liam and Sara's differences yet still be involved with one organization. Our involvement with UAF has enriched our lives and we are so grateful for their presence in the community. We feel blessed to have so many options and services at our fingertips to help our children reach their fullest potential. Although Liam and Sara were born 13 months apart, to different birth moms, and in 2 different countries, they were a match made in heaven. With Liam missing part of a chromosome and Sara having an extra they really do complete each other and make each other whole! Our family has experienced firsthand that love doesn’t count chromosomes. Liam and Sara are just like you and me and they are just enough! 

About The United Angels Foundation

United Angels Foundation (UAF) is a nonprofit, parent-to-parent support group for families of children with special needs (our Angels). Our goals at UAF consist of providing interaction, education, and resources to our parents. From newborn visits, to group activities for parents and children, we strive to be there every step of the way. Funds raised from our Walk with Angels event will specifically go towards financing our educational seminars and group activities. These funds are also used to administer our newborn and new member program. Thank you for your support of all the Angels in our community!

Highlight Video

Walk Day Schedule

June 1, 2024 at 9:30 a.m.
Margaret Wines Park 500 N Center Street, Lehi UT

9:30 a.m. Check In Begins
10:00 a.m. Performances by Advocacy Groups
10:30 a.m. Pre-Walk Ceremonies
11:00 a.m. Walk Begins!
11:30 a.m. Food Trucks & Mainstage Entertainment
12:15 p.m. Raffle Winners Announced
1:00 p.m. Event Concludes

Ongoing: Carnival games, raffle, photo booth, bounce houses, mascots, superheroes, princesses, and more!

**Silent Auction is online this year! Auction will go LIVE on Wednesday, May 29th and will close on Wednesday, June 5^th at midnight. Be sure to share the link with friends and family who want to support Utah’s special needs community**