In 2025, my life changed in ways I could not have predicted. My husband and I became licensed foster parents in March, and since then 8 children have come through our home through respite, short-term, and long-term placements.

And I’ll be honest with you. We have had some of the highest highs and some of the hardest days of our lives.

There have been moments we have looked at each other and wondered, “Can we keep doing this?”

And the reason the answer has stayed yes is because of our community (and, honestly, a whole lot of grace that shows up right when we need it).

Our people have shown up in big and small ways.

• Friends who stepped in and helped us host a last-minute birthday party

• Family who bought gifts and kids clothes when needed

• Babysitters who supported us so we could keep long-standing plans

• Friends who stay close even when things are messy, complicated, or scary

• People who don’t flinch at our reality but adapt to it

• Family and friends who listen, encourage, and let us cry, vent, process, and be honest without judgment

Even with all that support, which we do not take for granted (!), there are still days we feel stretched thin. Days when loving and parenting through trauma feels impossibly heavy.

And that is exactly why I believe so deeply in Seattle Angels. I know firsthand that no one can do this alone. Not foster parents. Not kids. Not any of us.

Seattle Angels exists to create what every foster family deserves: community, consistency, and support that does not disappear when things get hard.

As I celebrate my birthday this year, my wish is simple.

Help me make sure no child and no foster parent has to walk this road without support.

If you can give, any amount helps. And if you are able to become a monthly donor, that kind of steady support is what changes everything. When you give monthly, fostering families receive monthly support.

Thank you for celebrating my birthday by leaning in with me, especially when it matters most.

Donate below.