Real Stories About Adoption

Riley’s Adoption Story

Pictured to the right is Riley — a thoughtful and caring young actress who loves theatre, swimming and all things Disneyland. Today, Riley is thriving

The Kuruvillas Family Adoption Story

New parents Mike and Sibil first shared their story back in 2018 (watch video below) after welcoming home their baby boy, Micah. Fast forward to

The Chin Family Adoption Story

You might remember the Chins (see video below), who we interviewed back in 2018 after the adoption of their daughter, Jordyn. A lot has happened

The Rogers Family Adoption Story: Forming a Family Through The Cradle

Learn how Mary and Tom Rogers formed their family through adoption and how their Cradle caseworker helped them adopt both their son and daughter from

The Rust Family’s Cradle Story

Mary Jo and Dale completed their family through adoption and have been part of the Sayers Center for African American Adoption since the 80s. In

Our Adoption Journey: “It doesn’t end at placement…”

We hope you will enjoy these stories that embody the power of adoption and consider including The Cradle in your end of year giving plans

Our International Adoption Story: Penelope Savalas Boardman

Penelope and her adopted son, Dmitry, knew from the start that they were meant to be. Read about their journey across the globe to become

Ed and Georgia’s Cradle Reunion

It is an honor to share a story about one of the bridges The Cradle has helped create in our 99 years. We hope Ed

ERIN’S ADOPTION STORY: “IT’S OPEN TO MAKE IT WHAT I WANTED IT TO BE”

I placed my son for adoption 7 years ago. I was 19 years old at the time and the pregnancy was a result of an

BECKY’S ADOPTION STORY

Becky, an adopted person, shares her adoption story with The Cradle Becky adopted from The Cradle Adoption Agency. This is her open adoption story.

Anne’s Adoption Story

Let me start at the beginning — my beginning. I was five weeks old in November 1977 when my parents adopted me from an agency

Tony’s Birth Family Search: 76 Years Later, Filling in the Family Tree

Cradle baby Tony was not interested in finding his birth family initially. After his mother’s death and encouragement from his daughters, Tony reached out to

THE MAYFIELD’S ADOPTION STORY

Published January 2011 By The Cradle Staff Baby Griffin was born on December 24, 2009 and went home with his parents, Raegan and Keith Mayfield,

THE QUAST FAMILY ADOPTION STORY

Our Cradle Family Our “Cradle family” came together from across the ocean. We adopted our son, Thomas, from South Korea in December 2002, and returned

THE BANKS FAMILY ADOPTION STORY

The Joy of Openness By Pam Banks When I discuss open adoption with other people that haven’t been through the process, the reactions and comments

“I KNEW SHE WAS GOING TO GO TO A GOOD HOME.” JUNE’S ADOPTION STORY

June discusses making an adoption plan for her daughter and their reunion through The Cradle Adoption Agency in Illinois June chose adoption for her daughter

Jalissa’s Adoption Story: Reuniting With Her Birth Family

Jalissa and her aunt share how The Cradle support nurtured their connection. Watch Jalissa, Miss Black USA 2011 talk about her open adoption and build

SARAH AND RACHEL’S ADOPTION STORY

Published September 2011 By Sarah Vesely I was the first person in my family, outside of my parents, to hold my sister. I had only

An International Adoption Reunion Story

Hear how one Cradle adoptee’s search for their birth mother ended in a trip to reunite with a birth sibling across the Atlantic. The following

SAYERS CENTER MOM NAMED WORKING MOTHER OF THE YEAR

Published November 2014 By Shelbie Bostedt, Intern “When Micah smiles, there’s just nothing like it,” gushes Sayers Center mom Wendy Willis. Micah, now 20 months old,

THE FOWLES FAMILY ADOPTION STORY

Meeting Their Children for the First Time By The Cradle Staff Erin & Craig adopted their children in March 2003 Erin and Craig wanted to

THE HALL FAMILY ADOPTION STORY

For the Love of Our Children by Jill & Rob, who adopted their children in 1998 & 2000 I very clearly remember the day we

“The Cradle Was a Place Where I Came for Sanctuary”: Heather’s Adoption Story

Heather Discusses Adoption Counseling at The Cradle Heather Explains Her Feelings When Facing Unplanned Pregnancy For 100 years and counting, The Cradle has built nurturing

DAN’S ADOPTION STORY

When my wife told me she was pregnant with our third child in three years, I felt overwhelmed, my mind raced to find a solution.

BIRTHFATHERS AND ADOPTIVE FATHERS DISCUSS OPEN ADOPTIONS

Birthfathers and adoptive fathers discuss open adoptions

GROWING UP IN OPENNESS – REBEKKAH’S STORY

The choice has been made. Or so you think. Just because a choice seems right, it doesn’t always mean it is. The decision is yours

THE UPS AND DOWNS OF SEARCHING – JOEL’S STORY

Published May 2013 By The Cradle Staff Cradle adoptee Joel Solomon always knew he was adopted; he even knew his birth mother’s name – but

HE’S IT! URIAH’S ADOPTION STORY

Published June 2014 By The Cradle Staff When Baron Clay and Chad Weiden met 10 years ago, one of the reasons they first connected and

THE DAVIS’ ADOPTION STORY

Going with the Flow: The Davis’ Adoption Journey By The Cradle Staff When Janet and Mark Davis initially traveled to Russia in December 2006, they

THE GILLIS FAMILY ADOPTION STORY

What is Love? By Missy and Chad Gillis Published April 2006 September 10, 2003 (my 35th birthday), I have only been working at my new

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