Fighting for Emily

These are my friends Chip and Zac Palmer and their 8-year-old daughter Emily. As foster parents they got the call they dreamt of, a 3-month-old baby girl to foster. Her smile made you melt instantly. She became the center of her dads' lives and grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, co-workers, and a host of friends. After two years the Palmers began the pursuit to adopt Emily. Her biological mother surrendered her rights at birth and the biological father was absent. Chip, Zac and all the extended family were the only family Emily knew.

The court processes began. The condensed version is for the better part of Emily's life Chip and Zac have been in court pursuing Emily's adoption. During this time the biological father did see Emily; a few times as an infant and as a 2-year-old, and once when she was 4. Chip, Zac and all the extended family remain the only family Emily knows.

This past Tuesday, March 24, 2024 a Rowan County, NC judge ordered for Emily to be surrendered to her biological father Saturday, March 30. He has never been a part of her life. He is a stranger to her. Yet he has been awarded custody. How does any of this make sense? Chip and Zac both feel they were discriminated against as a gay, male, married couple.

Chip and Zac have secured an attorney to appeal and they will fight until she is back at home with the family she knows and loves. Sadly, this battle comes with significant financial commitment. Imagine eight years of attorney fees and now an appeal of $15,000. Prayers, encouragement, kind words are appreciated and coveted. Financial support is also critical to bring Emily back to the only home and family she has ever known.

Will you join us to Fight for Emily?