Made It!

Yeah! We made it!

Thank you all so much!  We have met Life-Song's goal for Baby Girl.  For those who have contributed financially to the matching grate, it was a tremendous help.   Plus, your money was doubled (not often that happens).  Your contributions will go a long way to help overcome the financial burden (lawyers, fees, etc) to adopting her.

Band of Bruners

Many people have asked us why adoptions are so expensive.  There are a myriad of methods of adopting children.  The financial cost varies with each method.  However, for each method of adoption it is best understood as a process in which you higher a team of lawyers and social workers to act on your behalf.  These are people who deserve to be paid for their efforts, after all, it is their livelihood.  This and various government fees and requirements are the cause of the financial cost of most adoptions.

We will post on the blog when the adoption is complete and Baby Girl becomes a Bruner forever!  Hopefully, not too much longer now.

Sincere and heartfelt thanks ~The Bruners

Matching Grant 

At the hospital

Often there is fundraising involved in adoption BEFORE the child comes "home," however some children need a home NOW and their circumstances, such as medical issues, could not be known, much less, prepared for in advance. This is the case of our instant baby. Back in November of 2012, Bethany Christian Services sent out a message to waiting families like us about a baby girl, who had a rough start in life and a few serious medical issues.  She spent the entire first 2 months of her life in a hospital without a mom or dad to care for her.

We were open to learning if we were equipped to give this sweet baby what she needed in a home. After all, she wanted a home, and we wanted a baby. After going over baby girl's uncertain medical future with the doctors, nurses and staff, we could see no reason why we would not be a good fit for her. No other waiting adoptive parents had shown interest, so we won the "grand prize" baby, as our son says.

One of the best Christmas presents ever

Five days later, we brought baby girl home. Soon after, the adoption agency helped us file for a special grant through Lifesong, funded by Bethany Christian Services. While this sweet baby came with some medical issues already, she also has a high risk of gaining additional ones in the future. Like ourselves, others have felt their hearts break for these sick children who are waiting to be adopted. It is out of this heart, that they were moved with generosity to donate to this fund, which is meant to bless and aid the adoption of special needs children. It is very difficult for most people to spend $25,000 - $35,000 in adoption fees, while paying for frequent, on-going medical expenses of the adoptive child.

That is why we are so thankful recently to receive this grant, which will match each dollar we raise, up to $3,000. This will free our money from the adoption fees, so we can focus on baby girl's medical issues and expenses. After exhausting our own resources and an additional grant, $13,000 is owed from adoption expenses. If you are able to, please join us in funding this sweet baby girl becoming a Bruner. Our goal date for fund-raising is September 19, 2013. Funds will continue to be accepted until the adoption is complete, we will post here when the adoption is final.
Here is how you can:

OPTION 1: Give by Check

• Make check payable to Lifesong for Orphans
• In memo section of check write Bruner #3576. This assures that your money goes to the correct account.
• Mail check to: Lifesong for Orphans

     PO Box 40

     Gridley, IL 61744

Lifesong has been blessed with a partner that underwrites all US administrative and fund-raising costs. That means 100% of your donation will go directly to adopting baby girl.

OPTION 2: Give Online

• Go to www.lifesongfororphans.org/give/donate
• Select Give to an Adoptive Family You will find this link in the center of the page, next to a photo of an adoptive family.
• Complete online form and fill in Family Account Number 3576 & Family Name Fields Bruner. Leave pre-selected fields as follows- “Gift Preference” as Adoption Funding and “Adoption Gift Preference” as Family Specific.

OPTION 3: Pay Pal Button - Easiest of all, just click on the Donate button at the top.

*Please note that PayPal will charge an administrative fee (2.9% + 30 cents USD per transaction). Your donation will be decreased by the amount of this fee.

NOTE: In following IRS guidelines, your donation is to the named non-profit organization. This organization retains full discretion over its use, but intends to honor the donor's suggested use.

“Individual donations $250 or more and yearly donations totaling $250 or more will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Receipts for donations under $250, will gladly be sent upon request. Lifesong is a 501 (c)3 tax exempt organization.    

We understand that all of us are bombarded with worthy causes to donate to, we are just grateful for you taking the time to read our baby girl's adoption story. Please join us in prayer for her healing.

Thank you :)

Please comment with any questions that you have!  We check regularly.