The Journey of Brendan and Emily

In December of 2014, Emily and Brendan officially became part of our family. While Brendan was living with us before that, we were able to  get legal custody of both him and his sister Emily. Their story is somewhat tragic, and I feel blessed every day that we have been able to make them part of our family. They have suffered the death of their father at the age of 19 when they were very young from a drug overdose. Then,  almost three years ago, their mother tragically died of a drug overdose as well. Brendan and his step-father had the unfortunate task of finding her, and dealing with that trauma. After that, they lived for  a short while with their step father, but it became too much and they were sent to live with their Mother's Aunt and her family as well as their Grandmother. During this time, they suffered neglect and abuse, as well as the theft of their father's social security death benefits. We couldn't sit by and watch this abuse any longer. Although we were aware of Emily's Emotional and Behavioral issues, Brendan pleaded to not let his sister go to the state, which is what their Aunt's next move was.  We naturally opened our home to her as well, without a second thought. While we did not realize the severity of Emily's mental illness, we would not have it any other way.  Emily's illness escalated, and on June 13th of 2015 she attempted to take her own life. We did not see it coming, and were not fully aware of how debilitating mental illness is. It has been a lesson not only for Bill and I, but our kids Patrick and Madeline as well. We are going to finally get the help for Emily that she needs and deserves at a residential treatment center. While we have fabulous insurance, there will be some considerable cost out of pocket for her ongoing treatment. Not only that, but these kids have no resource for their future other than us.  These kids deserve a chance at happiness, a future and a successful life.  Even knowing of Emily's illness as we know now, we wouldn't have done anything differently. People say that we are wonderful, amazing, selfless. We don't have to help these kids, we WANT to help these kids. We love them like they are our own. To us, this is just what needs to be done. Period. It should be the norm. No child should be left behind, without the opportunity to have a family and a life.  We are not asking for alot, however Emily's long term treatment will cost a considerable amount of time, and money.  We consider this paying it forward, providing the life for two young souls that otherwise would not have a very good one. Please help us give Emily the treatment she needs and deserves, as well as a future for both of them. We want to send them to college, take them on vacation (Brendan saw the ocean for the first time last November), and help them lead a normal productive life. 

Thank you!!! Bill, Alison, Patrick, Brendan, Emily and Madeline