Family's heart bigger than minivan

Of all the people I have met in my life, Andy and Tracy Duncan are probably the most remarkable. We need more people like them in this world. They are the type of people that many of us wish we could be, only to realize that we will fall short. They are just that special!

I first met the Duncan family 5 years ago when my youngest daughter was in a Pre-K class with one of their foster children. At that time they were fostering 3 brothers, all of which had some type of special needs. Andy and Tracy had hoped to adopt them, but a family member stepped forward and the boys went to live with them. As you can imagine, the Duncan’s were heartbroken.

A couple months later, they started fostering 2 brothers then later a young girl, all three with special needs. Their family started to blossom and come together. For Christmas 2012, the papers were signed and they officially became Team Duncan, family of 6.

Fast forward to 2015, fate has smiled on Team Duncan with the return of the 3 brothers. What started out as an emergency placement has grown into extended fostering of over 240 days. They like to call it “The Epic Sleepover of 2015”. (While we wait for the courts decision, we cannot show their pictures or names.)

While their story (I’ve made it short and to the point) is admirable, it is not what makes them remarkable. They have to deal with things that most of us don’t go through. They have kids with PTSD, TBIs (traumatic brain injuries), Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, behavioral disorders, and dyslexia. They drive their kids to Speech, Occupational and Physical therapies outside of what the schools offer. Their kids are involved in soccer, orchestra and band, wrestling, Cub and Boy Scouts. On top of all that, they volunteer with many projects and events at school. They volunteer their time with Boy Scouts. Dad drives his big Army truck in parades and events. They have helped with several City of Suwanee projects. They give back! More importantly, they just plain give! That is what makes them remarkable!

Please help us give back to this remarkable family! As Team Duncan has grown, they have faced many challenges, the least of which is logistics. In addition to all their other activities (athletics and therapies), the simple act of transporting a family of 9 has become an adventure within itself. Currently it requires multiple vehicles to drive the children to and from any occasion. We would love to assist in the purchase of a 15 passenger van. If the goal is met any additional funds will go into home renovations to accommodate the family.