My best friend could use some serious support, love and prayers as she pursues the adoption process for her “son” Dylan. Last month Dylan’s dad was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. Although she was already Dylan’s legal guardian, this has changed the course of their journey tremendously and has caused some major financial stress.
Leah came into Little Dylan's life almost four years ago and has loved and cared for him, having fought in his corner since the first day she met him. She was his main advocate to get him out of his biological mother’s neglectful home. Little Dylan had lice, bed bugs, lead poisoning, visible rotten teeth, barely spoke, and was very disconnected and unattached to anything. Leah was the backbone of his dad's journey to sole custody. Little Dylan had 15/20 rotten teeth, had reconstructive mouth surgery resulting in 14 crowns, root canals and extractions (AT 3 YEARS OLD ) and was removed from his biological mother's home and placed with his dad and Leah in October 2019. Leah has been his sole caregiver provider and mother ever since. His biological mother has made no attempts, didn’t follow through with court orders and has not been in his life since.
When life got messy and Dylan’s dad was incarcerated from July 2020 until May 2022 Leah stepped up right away and obtained legal guardianship of him to ensure his stability in his new life. Leah had a newborn baby and an older daughter of her own, and regardless of the struggles, she remained adamant that this was her boy and the best place for him was with her. Leah has been a single mom, a hairstylist and has a business degree in entrepreneurship. Regardless of the cards she is dealt, she has never given up and always kept pushing.
Now Big Dylan’s untimely death has not only made Leah a single mom of three but also put a major urgency on adopting Little Dylan. But as the story goes, adoption is SO expensive.
I have watched Leah nurture this sweet boy through sickness and major trauma since he came into her home. From day one, they have been jumping through hurdles together. Whether it be fighting food insecurity, learning how to bond and love or working hand in hand with his teachers and doctors to get him regulated to be successful in school. Leah has worked diligently for the love of her son and the best interests of Little Dylan and they both deserve this adoption.
Not only is Leah the best mom and situation for Little Dylan, but they also have a fantastic family and support system. Dylan has a big sister that loves to antagonize him and a little sister that is his shadow. He has been in Leah’s home for most of his life at this point. He was there for her whole pregnancy with Emerie (his little sister that looks just like him) and has been there every day through her life. He takes so much pride in being a big brother and they love each other so much. He has aunts and an uncle and a grandma that love him dearly. In Leah’s home, he is surrounded by love, snuggles, structure, and a little chaos :)
Although Leah always saw adoption as something that would happen in the future, she wasn’t prepared for it to happen so soon. She has had to fight through her grieving process of losing her kid's dad and once life partner to focus on fighting for her family to stay together. She told me she has asked God for many answers when it involved this little guy and when his dad was taken, Leah knew they were put in each other's lives for a reason…My best friend deserves her son, and Dylan deserves this family.
Adoption and attorney fees are so expensive, and the costs are already exceeding $5000 even though she just started the process.
If you could find it in your heart to donate to the costs, rest assured knowing it is going to the most deserving family. Every dollar counts; no amount is too little. Please let us know if you are aware of any charities or resources for people in this situation.
Please help Little Dylan stay in his home with his family,
Thank you for all your support ❤️
Organizer
Leah Greil
Organizer
Oshkosh, WI