Help Hunter Complete His Journey Home: China Heritage Ties Trip 2026

I met Michelle in college and we became dear friends! After college, she married the love of her life, Scott. Scott and Michelle wanted a family but life would prove to have other plans at the time. They would eventually look at adoption and their journey of becoming parents would become a season of tears and waiting 6 long years. Finally, their blessing came from China, a precious baby boy named Hunter who would make them a beautiful family of 3. Now a junior in high school, Hunter wants to experience his homeland first hand and connect with his culture and heritage.

Here is a message from Scott, Michelle and Hunter explaining more about what the Heritage Trip is and its importance. Please consider giving so Hunter will be able to experience this life-changing journey back to his heritage.

Every adoption story is a complex journey, beginning with loss, yet interwoven with love, courage, and the enduring hope for belonging. We are asking for your help to support Hunter on his life-changing heritage journey back to China with The Ties Program in July 2026.

This trip is more than just a vacation; it is a dedicated program designed to help adoptees explore their identity and heritage in their birth country. It is an opportunity for Hunter to connect with his history, culture, and a supportive community of fellow adoptees and for his parents to connect with other adoptive parents. In addition, Hunter and his parents will be supported by adoption aware staff who are also identity mirrors for Hunter.

The family has explored every option for financial assistance, including applying for the Gift of Identity grant, but unfortunately, they did not receive funding this year. The cost of the trip, including airfare, program fees, and in-country expenses, is significant, and we are working hard to make this dream a reality for Hunter.

How You Can Help:

Your donation, no matter the size, will directly fund Hunter's travel and participation, helping him take this crucial step in his personal journey of identity.

$25 helps cover a meal during the tour.

$50 contributes to essential in-country transportation costs.

$100 helps pay for one night of lodging.

$3,000 helps pay for Hunter’s roundtrip airfare

Any amount helps them get closer to their goal!

The family is grateful for your support in helping Hunter complete this meaningful step on his journey home and for his parents in supporting him along the way. Thank you for making this life-changing experience possible.

With gratitude,

The Whitt Family

Michelle, Scott, and Hunter