Dear friends, family, and everyone in between,

As many of you know, my sister Catherine (Cathy) recently passed away as a result of a head-on collision. Surviving Cathy are her two children, both 7 and 8 years old. Their father is also deceased as a result of similar circumstances.

My niece and nephew were picked up from foster care by their grandparents (my parents) in Montana, and forced to suddenly relocate with them to Southern California.

The two children have polarizing sets of current needs. My wife, Tara, and I have been caring for my niece and would love to provide her with a permanent, stable, and loving home as soon as possible that she can officially call her own.

My nephew requires extensive behavioral and medical care. He is currently receiving the love, attention, and care that he needs with his grandparents (my parents), one of whom is retired. We plan on taking over his care when the time comes, and want to assure anyone curious that the two of them are seeing each other regularly.

Our current mission is to protect both of them as best we can in order to provide the stability they both deserve. The cost of a home study that’s required prior to filing for the adoption of my niece is $4,500. Guardianship for my nephew has already been obtained on an emergent basis due to his special needs.

If you or someone you know is able to contribute in any amount, we would so greatly appreciate it. If you are only able to share this link, we would equally appreciate that too!

With Love,

Elaina and Tara

****Note: children's names have been omitted for privacy reasons