This is a story about Chris and Marena.  They are a couple from Iowa.  Chris is the athletic director at the local high school and Marena is a homemaker and part-time office manager at a realty company.  Unable to have biological children, Chris and Marena began their adoption journey over two years ago and are in the process of adopting Cohen.

Cohen was born August 13, 2008 to his 14 year old birth parents.  Unable to parent him themselves, they placed him for adoption and chose Chris and Marena to be his parents.  The two couples chose to have an open adoption so Chris and Marena have been in frequent contact with Cohen's birth parents over the last few months.  Marena shares "It's important for Cohen's birth mom to know that he's doing fine and that she made the right decision.  It will be important to Cohen at some point to know his birth family and to know that they loved him enough to do what was right for him."

After spending 4 years coping with infertility, Chris and Marena decided to pursue adoption.  Instead of spending thousands of dollars on treatments that may not have been successful, they decided they would rather become the parents of a child in need of a loving and stable family.

While Chris and Marena's income provide for them, their income does not provide enough to cover the costs of adoption on their own.  A grant from Gift of Adoption will provide them with the remaining funds needed to complete Cohen's adoption and give him a secure future he might not have otherwise had and everyone who supports this Giving Circle will play a critical role in the giving of Cohen a Forever Family.

Cohen's journey begins with "YOU."

We are hoping you will join our Giving Circle; a group of people who we believe will help this adoption dream come true.  Our goal is to raise $3,500 by January 13, 2009. 

I know we are facing uncertain times in our economy, but that pales in comparsion to the future Cohen will have if he doesn't make it into the loving home that is waiting for him.  Any amount you can give is one step closer for Cohen to be with his Forever Family.

You can make a donation at:  www.firstgiving.com/FrancescaSurowiec.   With everyone's help,  Cohen's adoption will be completed.

May God bless you as you prayfully reflect on this life changing experience for Chris, Marena and Cohen.

Sincerley,

Ric and Fran Surowiec