Love Makes a Family: Brad and Leah Klotz Adoption

My name is Nicole and it is my privilege and honor to organize this fundraiser for my best friend Leah and her wonderful husband Brad. I first met Leah over 20 years ago at UW-Whitewater where she and Brad began dating. I have witnessed their tremendous growth as individuals as well as in their marriage. I can honestly say they are some of the most loving, caring, trustworthy, hardworking and talented people I know. I can think of no two people who are more deserving of the life changing opportunity that lies before them.

At their core, Brad and Leah have always loved children. Both are dedicated public school educators and experts in their fields. Brad is going into his 20th year as a band director at Lake Mills Middle School and Leah will start her 18th year in education as a 1st grade teacher at Webster Elementary in Watertown. They have been a vital part of the communities in which they live and teach and are well loved by their students and families.

Brad and Leah were married in 2004. After many years of trying to conceive a child naturally, they were told that having a biological child was not a viable possibility. Determined to grow their family, they explored adoption and have never looked back. Their hearts told them this was what they were meant to do, and they listened.

Brad and Leah began the time consuming and costly process of adoption over a year and a half ago.  They have since been chosen by an expectant mother in Minnesota to raise the daughter she’s carrying. Her due date is in late June and they have been building a relationship with hopes for an open adoption. Brad and Leah are honored that she has entrusted them with raising this beautiful girl.

Many people are unaware that adopting a child can cost up to $50,000 or more. Brad and Leah have created a financial plan, but they could still use some help. They will be temporarily relocating to Minnesota before the baby is born and will remain there for about a month while the legal paperwork is finalized.  Any donations received will be used to cover travel, lodging, food and legal fees, with any remainder being applied to the overall adoption cost.

At a time when hardship has impacted all of us, we realize that it might not be a possibility for you to give financially at this time. If you would still like to support Brad and Leah in other ways, they’d gladly welcome notes of encouragement, hand me downs, or positive thoughts and prayers. Sharing this post would also be very helpful.

Thank you for considering a donation to these two amazing people who have worked so hard for other peoples’ children. They now embrace having a child of their own to nurture, to love, to laugh with and to guide. This baby girl will be so blessed.