This past Tuesday, November 3rd, our daughter Anna-Renee and son-in-law Derek Hase were blessed to become parents after almost 5 years of marriage. Becoming parents was something they have hoped for, prayed for, and saved for, as they knew that due to Anna-Renee's leukemia and a subsequent bone-marrow transplant at 16, that she would be unable to bear children naturally. I am overwhelmed by how hard they have worked to prepare for this very expensive process, without asking for any outside assistance as they felt it was their responsibility to prove they were ready.

Somethings cannot be properly prepared for, like getting final approval for adoption and then a few weeks later being chosen by a birth mother on the other side of the country who was going to deliver in mid-December. This exciting news was only intensified when they were told to come immediately as the birth mother had gone into labor several weeks early. Without hesitation, Derek and Anna purchased same day airfare tickets and will be in a hotel for 3-5 weeks, while they wait for their new son, Herman Rudolph (Rudi) to be discharged from the NICU. 

Many have asked how they can help and if Derek and Anna-Renee had a go fund me page set up and we had nowhere to send them. So here goes! 

Please feel free to donate to Derek and Anna-Renee Hase travel expenses and for the adoption of their son, Rudi!