Help Erika and Isaac Adopt Their Nephew

Hello My name is Erika and my Fiancé and myself are starting this fundraiser in hopes to achieve the funds for adoption of our nephew (our Son).

Feb. 1 of this year I was contacted by my sister whom I had not had contact with in 4 years. Because of her decisions in life and on a path that we don’t agree with or condone. She had asked me if I would meet her at a hospital local to her. I took the trip not knowing what situation I was walking into. Upon seeing her I could tell she was far along in pregnancy and clearly in labor. Within 10 hours I was cutting the umbilical cord of a sweet little boy. A sweet little boy that I, at that moment fell in love with. He was born 3 weeks early, withdrawing and had a lung infection from all that she had been using during her pregnancy.

My sister was released from the L&D unit within 2 days and never looked back, not once spent any time with him. For the next 2 weeks I made the trip daily to the NICU to spend every day with him. Being the first to hold him, the first to let him know he had someone who would always be there for him. Watching him be intubated, tube fed & administered medications to help with the withdrawal. I was cleared through the Children, Youth & Families Department to take him home when he was able to be released. Exactly 2 weeks to the day we were released with him on oxygen! I was given temporary guardianship and eventually granted permanent guardianship, when he was 4 months old, because my sister never showed for court. He has been loved and cared for, he is thriving and getting the therapy he needs. We are all he knows. He has a Mama & Dada who have done everything to make sure he is cared for and has a nurturing life. He has 3 older sisters who love him beyond measure. He is in a home full of love. He has a family!

I had to take FMLA from my job as a Special Education Teachers Assistant to be able to make his appointments & therapy and tend to him as he was on oxygen and navigating through the start of his life. My contract at the end of the year was not renewed. Thankfully my fiance, his dada, has worked long hours to provide for our family allowing me to nurture and love our Son. Allowing me to be able to take him to therapy, appointments & anything else he may need.

We are at the point of adoption. His adoption comes with the cost of attorneys and court proceedings. Being a one income family at the moment makes it a little harder financially to be able to put the money up for an attorney. Going through an attorney and already having permanent guardianship makes this much more affordable than an adoption of a child

through an agency. Any help would be greatly appreciated and go directly towards attorney and filling fees. We understand that not everyone will be able to financially help, but even just a share will help us reach our goal.

God knew he needed us as much as we needed him! He placed him with us knowing that he would be safe and have a life that he deserves. We appreciate each and every one of you that has taken the time to read our story and help in any way by either donations or simply sharing.

Erika & Isaac