Supporting Norah's Family

Norah Lucille was born 3 weeks early in the heat of July 2022 in Florida. She was born to a mother choosing adoption due to drug dependency and tough personal circumstances. A couple was already lined up, eager to adopt Norah. But little “Nu-Nu” was full of surprises!

Prior to her birth, no one knew Norah had Down Syndrome. No one knew one of her lungs would be collapsed, or about her three heart defects that would require surgery….but God knew. He knit that sweet baby together with all of her beautiful silky hair and almond-shaped brown eyes. Upon finding out about the medical complexities and diagnoses, the original couple removed themselves from adopting this baby girl, and for a short while, she was orphaned and alone in the NICU.

States away in Virginia, Gabe and Deidra Hoffman received a call on a Friday night that would change their lives forever. They had felt the Lord call them to adoption long before they ever tied the knot. It was never a question of “if” but “when.” After two years of praying and fundraising, they were a little over halfway towards meeting their financial need to adopt. As they waited and prayed, three days later they were told they could travel to Florida. The Hoffman family hopped in the car to drive 13 hours to meet the precious baby God had chosen to be their daughter.

The Hoffmans signed papers after papers and brought their wild-haired little Norah back to their home after a long NICU stay where many miracles occurred. Norah was so strong and feisty! Her mama was absolutely her favorite person, and Dee was so proud of her superhero strength. Norah loved to hear her Daddy sing and play the guitar. She loved endless snuggles from her big brother Graham and talking with her big sister Elliott. Elliott was counting down the days until Norah was old enough to play Barbies with her. Nu-Nu was a roly-poly, content baby with the biggest gummy smile, that could make your heart burst with joy.

Norah endured multiple hospital stays, including open-heart surgery in December. She was a sweet and bubbly little girl. She inspired everyone who met her with her strength and resilience. She was most recently admitted into the hospital on Monday, January 16th. One week later, however, on January 23rd, Norah passed away unexpectedly due to medical complications. Her family and friends are still reeling in a state of pure shock. During her short life, Norah shone a bright light on all who encountered her and were blessed by her snuggles and sweet smile.

Adoption is a beautiful picture of the Gospel. All of us are orphans and because of Jesus Christ- we can be a part of the family of God. We are helpless in our sinful state and Christ died for us defeating sin and death. He took on all our debt on the cross- all our sin and shame. His love is sacrificial and unconditional love. Similarly, the Hoffman family adopted a sweet and helpless baby girl. They took on all her needs and extensive medical debt, on top of her adoption costs. They sacrificed their way of life and embraced her unconditionally. They learned how to use a g-tube and navigate the healthcare system.

Many people look at those with different abilities and needs and only see what they can’t do. They see limitations and feel pity. The Hoffmans only saw their beautiful daughter Norah for all that she was and could do, made in the image of God with endless potential and possibilities. She could express so much without a word. Her faux-hawk, smile, feist, and pure love will forever be missed on this side of heaven.

The Hoffmans are thankful that they do not grieve without hope, as they are clinging to Jesus during this time. They are thankful for the time Norah blessed their family AND do not know how they will go on without her. This family needs our prayers and support as they grieve the tiniest baby girl who made the biggest impact and helped teach so many what radical love truly is. Norah’s adoption was still in process and not finalized, which creates a variety of legal and financial burdens on the family during this grief.

If it is on your heart, please consider donating to help alleviate the $16,000 in outstanding adoption loans, $12,000 in hospital bills, and pending costs of funeral arrangements for this sweet baby girl.

Isaiah 40:11, “He will feed his flock like a shepherd, He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.”