In 2014, Jessie and Michelle decided to begin the process of welcoming a child into their lives. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, Jessie became pregnant on the 6th (and final) try. After 41 weeks and one day of physically challenging, emotionally draining, and beautiful waiting, Jessie and Michelle joyfully welcomed their daughter, Mika, in January, 2016.

While processing paperwork for Mika's birth certificate, Jessie and Michelle received the devastating news that the IN State Department of Health would not recognize Michelle as Mika's parent. By not listing Michelle as a parent on Mika's birth certificate, the state of Indiana does not recognize the Monroe-Cook family as a family. It is not pleasant to imagine the effects that could transpire if anything (heaven forbid) were to happen to Jessie, Mika, or Michelle.

Jessie and Michelle are raising funds to cover the cost of legal representation and other fees pertaining to Mika's second-parent adoption so that Michelle can be added to Mika's birth certificate and be legally recognized as Mika's parent. The adoption process ensures critical protections for the Monroe-Cook family under the law in Indiana and throughout the country.

Jessie, Michelle, and Mika know that they are loved and acknowledged as a family by those they are priviledged to call family and/or friend. The Monroe-Cook family immensely appreciates you supporting them now in this way.

With gratitude,

Michelle, Jessie, and Mika Monroe-Cook