The Bokenyi's Adoption Journey

My name is Taylor Ward and I am Jen's Co-worker and friend.

Although Jen and Bernie are a private couple, who have not shared their struggles with many people aside from close friends and family, they have had dreams of starting a family for almost 10 years now.

I met Jen in the fall of 2021 when she started working with me at Lee Burneson Middle School. We immediately connected after getting to know each other and realizing that we are both a part of the “infertility club” that no one wants to be a part of. Jen has been there for me every step of my journey since we met, cheering Adam and I along, being there for emotional support, and even selflessly putting on a Go Fund Me for us, all while she was going through her own journey.

I just know that God brought Jen into my life for a reason, to help me through this difficult time and she has been such an incredible blessing. Now I want to return the favor. Her and Bernie deserve to become parents just as much as we do if not more and financial reasons should not stop them from making their dreams become a reality.

Jen and Bernie’s story:

They met in September 2012 and got married in July 2015. Since they were both 35 when we got married, they knew we wanted to start a family right away (the biological clock was ticking away). A couple years into trying, they realized that there may be fertility issues so they began to seek treatment. Unfortunately, none of the medications they tried worked but they did not give up on their dream to start a family. They have carefully researched and discussed other options.

Together, they decided that IVF was not an option due to the cost, their age, and that there are no guarantees. Jen shared with me “We chose adoption because we knew that further treatments might not work and that we had the capacity to love a child even if it was not biologically connected to us. We know this because of the close relationships we have with not only our nieces and nephews but also our friends' kids. It has been an honor being there for them while they have grown up.”

Initially, Jen and Bernie began the process of adoption through the county, to adopt through the foster care system, but after going through classes, learning more about the process, having many conversations, and praying about it, they decided that was not the path they were meant to be on. Domestic Infant Adoption was not an option to them initially because of the cost but after weeks and weeks of research, planning, and more praying, they decided that was the right path for them.

If you ask Jen and Bernie’s close friends and family, they will tell you that they are an independent couple that work hard, are financially responsible, and never ask others for help. Although it is extremely uncomfortable to do so now, they deserve it more than anyone.

Adoption is extremely expensive and no one should give up on their dreams of becoming parents or giving a newborn baby a safe and loving home because of money. Please if you feel so inclined, donate to this wonderful couple who are going to be the best parents! Your donations will help make this part of their journey a little less stressful for them.