Support for the Derryberry family

September 8, 2022 is the day that changed our lives forever. My young, goofy, vibrant, little sister Rachel, passed away. Our family was left shocked and unbelievably heartbroken. There are no words to describe the emotions that overwhelm you when you lose someone you love.

Although we were heartbroken and grieving, our attention immediately turned to supporting and taking care of our niece, Sophia Grace. Arrangements were made to ensure that Sophia was supported and cared for. I’ve asked my sister-in-law, Colleen, to share their story, and what came next…

“Sophia had lived with us, and her grandparents, since July of 2022. She has her own room in our home as she often spent extended times with us. We adopted her biological brother (Joseph) when he was a baby and she calls our three other sons her brothers, they adore her. We had provided foster care for Sophia in the past, and have always made our home available when Rachel needed help. We’ve supported Rachel and Sophia their entire lives. After Rachel's passing, with the full backing of our family, Steven and I hired a lawyer and were awarded custody of Sophia.

Shortly after we were awarded custody, we were notified that an extended family member (who had a very limited relationship with Sophia and Rachel) had filed for custody of Sophia in a different court. We had a very close relationship with Rachel and we knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that she would have wanted Sophia to be raised by us, along side her brother and cousins. We prepaid to make our case to the courts and fight for Sophia to be here, with us, in her forever home.

In early November 2022, in the other court, without us being able to speak, Sophia was placed into a temporary placement until the courts could rule on jurisdiction. The order awarding custody to Steven and I was set aside, and our fight for Sophie began. Our whole family was reeling -- we were still trying to process the immense loss of Rachel in our lives, and now Sophia was being taken away, too.

The two courts needed to decide who had jurisdiction and which venue was best suited to hear our custody case. At the end of February 2023, a judgment in the other court determined that our county court would be the appropriate venue for this preceding. This was a huge victory for us! But the trial was just beginning and the days continued to pass with Sophia being away from our family. It is hard to express just how long this time felt. We had lost Rachel, and knowing we could lose Sophie too was incredibly difficult.

Finally, in April 2023, a judge in county court awarded our family custody and Sophia was able to come home!! It was an incredible day! Sophia is surrounded and supported by her family that loves her. She is happy, healthy, and walking through the grieving and healing process. This little girl’s strength is so incredible. We may still face an appeals process, and there could be other proceedings in county court. But we are so thankful for every day that we have with Sophia.”

Steven and Colleen have spent tens of thousands of dollars fighting for custody of my niece. And even with that financial burden, they fought the courts to be able to take Sophia on a magical Disneyland vacation in February 2023, a much needed renewal for her and a trip she had been looking forward to for a long time; this trip had been planned before we lost Rachel. I’ve watched this incredible family sacrifice before -- sacrifice their time, possessions, and finances -- when they adopted my nephew. I know how much it will bless them to help lift this financial burden. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for taking the time to read this story and offering your support!

September 2023-

On behalf of the Derryberry family, we are absolutely BLOWN AWAY by everyone's generosity! Thank you so much for opening your hearts to this awesome family's story! I have asked Steven and Colleen for permission to update their financial goal. Our original hope was to help get half of their costs covered, but seeing as how you all have already done that, I'm thinking we can help them even more! Thank you again so much for your incredible generosity!

October 2023-

We are absolutely humbled by the generosity shown to the Derryberry's, and so incredibly grateful to say that because of all of your selfless donations the Derryberry's have been able to cover ALL of the financial burden placed on them as a result of this senseless custody dispute. Sophia is safe, loved, and very well cared for in her forever home.

April 2024-

Thank you all for your generosity! We wanted to stop in and give a little update on Sophia and The Derryberry's. They are thriving! Sophia is growing and adjusting well. She is happy and healthy. She misses her momma but is thankful she has a loving home and family that supports her and helps her walk through her grief. She is excelling at school and loves to read and draw. She is quite the thespian and can't wait to be in another play!

While the custody dispute is over, the cost of caring for Sophia will be a continuing financial obligation for the Derryberry's. They would never expect any help but I think we can continue to raise funds to help this family! They were never expecting to raise both of Rachel's children, but they have whole heartedly and without reservation stepped up to the task! They love and adore both Sophia and Joseph and take their responsibility as their guardians seriously. The Derryberry's make sure Sophia gets the best support possible. This includes taking her to grief therapy 90 miles away every other week in addition to other medical appointments and therapy. Anything you can do to lighten their load is welcome and greatly appreciated!