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The Sunderman Family's Adoption Story

$3650raised of $10000 goal
36%

Organizer: Marisa Sunderman Beneficiary: Marisa Sunderman

July 15, 2012 went from being one of the best days of our lives, to the worst in an instant. After 2 years of working through the adoption process it was finally time to meet our precious 7 month...

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July 15, 2012 went from being one of the best days of our lives, to the worst in an instant. After 2 years of working through the adoption process it was finally time to meet our precious 7 month old daughter from Africa. We learned just two weeks before she was scheduled to fly that she had become ill. We were told that she had come down with a fever and when her fever spiked she would become lethargic. Having children already, we were not terribly concerned. This only made us more eager to get her to the U.S. where she could receive better medical attention. Two days before she was scheduled to fly, we received information that the medical provider in Africa did not feel that she was healthy enough to travel. This news was very confusing for us and it was explained to us that it would be our decision to have her travel or not. (Thinking that a fever couldn’t be that bad right?) After much discussion and even a professional opinion from a recommended pediatrician, we decided to have her fly home and let modern medicine help. Knowing she had a fever for a couple weeks we knew we would be going straight to the doctor to see what was going on. We made the three hour drive to meet our baby at the airport. Once at the airport we met a representative from our adoption agency, who handed us a six page medical report which was shocking and devastating at the same time. Our baby was much worse off than we had known. After reading through the report we learned that she had been having seizures for weeks, she had been in a comma like state, she had been hospitalized on more than one occasion, and they were only allowing her to travel to the U.S. in an attempt to “salvage this child”. After her plane landed we were told that it could be a four hour wait for the passengers to clear customs. The wait seemed like a lifetime although it was only two hours, but when they finally got through customs and walked down the endless hallway her escort slowly approached us and it was quite evident at first glance that the situation was much worse than we could have imagined. Seeing my wife take Muya from her escort’s arms while sobbing, the only thing she could say was “OH MY GOD!!” we turned around and ran as fast as we could to our car, following hospital signs to the nearest Emergency Room. They immediately initiated an airlift and flew by helicopter to the nearest Children’s Hospital. We drove to meet them there. When we finally made it, it seemed like the entire staff at the hospital were working on her and examining her all at once. After a few hours we learned the results of Muya’s MRI. This was another devastating blow. She had suffered catastrophic brain injury from the seizures. At this point it was explained to us that there was nothing that could be done for her other than to make her comfortable and continue to run tests. We stayed at her bedside for the next couple days as more tests were ordered and each only reconfirming the initial prognosis. Poor Muya was alive only by the machines and IV’s she was surrounded by. We were then faced with the decision of what would happen next. On July 18, 2012 we lost our precious baby girl and gained a beautiful angel that will be in our hearts forever. Our world was turned upside down. One comment from the Chaplain that day has stuck with me since. He told us that “all the tears that we cry, water a beautiful garden that Muya will be able to play in until we meet again". This is something I truly believe in. While we continue picking up the many pieces, we have decided to not give up on our dream of adoption. We have started the process again, and have decided this time to adopt a baby girl and a baby boy! Although our adoption agency has waived many fees there are still many fees that cannot be waived such as; foster care, formula, immigration fees, travel expenses. We heard about this awesome fundraising idea and are asking for your help to bring our babies home. We have purchased a 1000 piece puzzle ironically titled "Waiting for the Bus". For every $10 that is donated for this fundraiser you will be contributing 1 piece to our puzzle. You can purchase as many puzzle pieces as you wish! We will then write your name on the back of each piece to symbolize your partnership in making our dreams of bringing our babies home come true. When the puzzle is finished we will display it in a double sided glass frame in our home as a constant reminder of all the people who have helped bring our family together. 100% of funds donated will go directly to adoption expenses.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story.

Contact the Organizer

Updates

by Marisa Sunderman
We would just like to thank everyone who has been so kind to support us from the bottom of our hearts. Words cannot express how grateful our family is for this support.  Every dollar helps and is going straight towards our fees. I just want you all to know we are forever grateful for every one of you, and will never forget what you have done for our family!

Supporters

Kasey
donated$30.00
Friday, February 15, 2013



Aussie Friends and Family
donated$400.00
Thursday, February 14, 2013

With Love from Pauline & David, Penny & Shane, Jazmin, Thelma & Frank, Jacinda & Matthew, Olivia & Halayna, Robert & Caroline, Julie, Cathryn and Derek & Marvel



Kollene Braley
donated$10.00
Wednesday, February 13, 2013



Karson Braley
donated$11.00
Wednesday, February 13, 2013



Kullin Braley
donated$9.00
Wednesday, February 13, 2013



Karmyn Braley
donated$10.00
Wednesday, February 13, 2013



The Dennull Family (Ricky and Desi)
donated$20.00
Friday, February 08, 2013

We love you guys and are praying that your babies are home with yall soon! Love, Ricky, Desi, Jai and Alli



Dan and Anna Dennull ( Ricky and Desi's Mom and Dad)
donated$50.00
Friday, February 08, 2013

God bless you and your Family! You are in our thoughts and prayers!



Carrie Collins
donated$20.00
Sunday, February 03, 2013

May GOD continue to smile upon your family for as long as the sun shines in the sky.



Katherine Kubicek
donated$50.00
Sunday, February 03, 2013

I am praying for you to be able to complete your adoptions...and for your family to be a strong witness for adoption so that many, many others will take this path as a result of your journey. Also praying for your newly adopted children to be healthy and bring you all much joy !



Dawn Mitchell
donated$10.00
Sunday, February 03, 2013



Will and Mindy Larmore
donated$10.00
Sunday, February 03, 2013

Marissa, we are honored to be a tiny part of bringing home your new little ones! Many blessings to your growing family. I'm glad we're in touch on FB and hope that maybe with our various respective moves with military careers, perhaps we'll cross paths one day! -Will and Mindy Larmore



Michelle Steiner
donated$20.00
Friday, February 01, 2013

After having lost a child of my own, I applaud you for taking this a step further and adopting again. I wish you and your family the best. May God bless you, protect you, and guide you!



Janelle
donated$50.00
Friday, February 01, 2013

I can't wait to meet those babiies!



Jazmin and Family
donated$20.00
Thursday, January 31, 2013

We are wishing you and your family the best in welcoming two new little hearts to yours!!!!!



Jill Macon
donated$20.00
Friday, January 25, 2013

Good Luck! I pray that this time will go smoothly and that your babies will arrive happy and healthy. You and your family are doing an amazing thing!



Kirk, Lisa, Cassie, Corey and Caleb
donated$100.00
Friday, January 25, 2013



Amanda Larner
donated$20.00
Thursday, January 24, 2013

Praying for your family. Feel honored to be a small part of your journey.



Nate, April, Hayden, Trenton, & Brayla Clark
donated$30.00
Thursday, January 24, 2013



Sean & Brianne Braley
donated$50.00
Thursday, January 24, 2013

We miss you guys sooo much!!!



The Fultons
donated$20.00
Wednesday, January 23, 2013

I do not know you but I am a friend of Esther. Your tragic story really touched me as I have a young daughter myself. I truly hope you can make your dream of adoption come true. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.



Robert and Chelsey Peters
donated$20.00
Monday, January 21, 2013

We love you!



Prohm Family
donated$50.00
Monday, January 21, 2013

We love you and are praying for you!!God Bless!!



Kasey
donated$20.00
Thursday, January 17, 2013



Elliott Family
donated$20.00
Tuesday, January 15, 2013

We love and miss you guys dearly!! Please keep us updated on how everything goes. Give our love to Amaya and Jadyn!



Ponich Family
donatedHidden Amount
Tuesday, January 08, 2013



Bear
donated$20.00
Tuesday, January 08, 2013



The Craw Family
donated$20.00
Monday, January 07, 2013

The world needs more people like you.



Schneider Family Christmas Pitch In
donated$400.00
Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Instead of having family gift exchange, we chose to help with your journey.



Anonymous
donated$100.00
Monday, December 17, 2012

We share the same agency. All the best on your continued journey.



Snyder Family
donated$20.00
Thursday, December 13, 2012

Your story moved me to tears, and inspired me, too. Prayers and hugs for you guys. I wish every good thing for you!



Kathy Montgomery
donated$50.00
Thursday, December 13, 2012

We are wishing you the best and hoping for the best. Good Luck, Monty, Kathy, Wyatt, Eli, and Dori Montgomery



The Chalos Family
donated$60.00
Wednesday, December 12, 2012

We are praying for miracles beyond miracles as you enter this process again.



The Jernigan Family
donated$30.00
Wednesday, December 12, 2012

In memory of Hadiya Claira Chalos



Brian & Ronda Walter
donated$50.00
Wednesday, December 12, 2012

With prayers for healing from your loss, and oh behalf of the children whose lives your love is about to change. Given in memory of Hadiya Claira Chalos, who went to meet Jesus before she got to meet her parents, Chad and Kristle.



The Cottrell's
donated$40.00
Wednesday, December 12, 2012

In memory of our sweet Hadiya Claira Chalos angel!



Miranda Milligan
donated$10.00
Wednesday, December 12, 2012

I'm so sorry to read about your loss. It's very sad and unfortunate that things turned out the way they did. But, I wish you guys luck on your next adoption:)



Stacia Engelhardt
donated$100.00
Tuesday, December 11, 2012

I read your story on the congo facebook page as we are in the early phases of thinking about adoption. My heart breaks for you and I am touched that you are still pusuing your dream of adopting and are willing to taek 2 this time!! Prayers to you both and your new little ones:)



Shenea Andrews
donated$30.00
Thursday, December 06, 2012

My prayers are with SGT Sunderman and his family.



The Magdzinski Family
donated$100.00
Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Bless your hearts! Wishing you peace in the passing of your sweet baby girl, and hope in your babies to come. We are adding you to our prayers and wish you nothing but the best!



Chris Lessly
donated$10.00
Monday, December 03, 2012

Praying for your family as you continue to deal with the loss of your sweet daughter and as you begin this new adoption. I have a beautiful almost 3-year-old from Congo and just returned home from Kinshasa on Oct 29th. Blessings to you! Chris Lessly



Anonymous
donated$10.00
Monday, December 03, 2012



The Murray Family
donated$10.00
Sunday, December 02, 2012

We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and I hope this small donation can help you, help more children. Good luck!!



The Pierce Family
donated$100.00
Tuesday, November 27, 2012

We love and miss u guys!



Hoke Family
donated$10.00
Thursday, November 22, 2012

Your family and your beautiful baby girl have been in our thoughts and prayers for a while now. Thank you for having the courage to share your story, the love you have for your daughter is powerful. We admire your strength and courage as you move forward with the adoption of two little ones.



Lori Howard
donated$10.00
Thursday, November 22, 2012



Biddy Mautner
donated$100.00
Thursday, November 22, 2012

Praying for you.



Donald, Jessica & Moses Browning
donated$100.00
Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Every time I think of your family I am overcome with emotion. The love that you have in your heart for these beautiful children is amazing, and the world needs MORE people like you all in it! God Bless you!



Amy Schneider
donated$30.00
Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Your baby girl came home with my nephew Moses Browning. I'm so sorry for your loss, but so happy for your new babies!



Heather & Dave Reese
donated$10.00
Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Your strength is amazing God bless you and your family



Carissa and David Vetromile
donated$75.00
Friday, November 16, 2012

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be part of such an important time in your lives!



Aubrey, Hayes and Quinn
donated$100.00
Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Praying God's blessings over you and your family!



Michelle
donated$10.00
Monday, November 12, 2012



Michael Llanas
donated$10.00
Thursday, November 08, 2012

Best Wishes!!!



rudy ramirez
donated$20.00
Tuesday, November 06, 2012



Kasey
donated$10.00
Tuesday, November 06, 2012

I love you Riss. I can't wait for my lil niece and nephew to be home.



The Bolinger's
donated$25.00
Tuesday, November 06, 2012

Best wishes to all of you! Miss you guys!!



Gary and Nickie Lacer
donated$50.00
Monday, November 05, 2012

Our prayers are with you and your family.



Nancy Hays
donated$100.00
Sunday, November 04, 2012

Dear Marisa, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear daughter. Please know my heart and prayers go out to your husband and you and all of your family with my deepest wishes for healing for all and God's speed to bringing your two new babies home to you all. Nancy Hays (Josie's mother, Sonia's Nana)



Melvin & Jamela Davis
donated$40.00
Friday, November 02, 2012



Esther Larkey
donated$20.00
Friday, November 02, 2012

I love you guys!!!



Deb Clark
donated$20.00
Friday, November 02, 2012

Contributing with Love and Pride!



Skouby Family
donated$20.00
Friday, November 02, 2012



Jamie Deschamps
donated$15.00
Friday, November 02, 2012

You are so inspiring! My husband and I have been thinking about adoption, but I have been scared that him being military will hurt us. I wish you and your family the best through this process!!



The larkins
donated$20.00
Friday, November 02, 2012

We support you guys and are sorry for you loss. You're in our prayers.



Jacob Massey
donated$100.00
Friday, November 02, 2012



Moultrie Family
donated$145.00
Friday, November 02, 2012



Ariana
donated$100.00
Friday, November 02, 2012

We are praying for you guys!! Thanks for sharing your story, we miss you guys too!!



Lindsay Waters
donated$40.00
Friday, November 02, 2012



Jennie Davis
donated$100.00
Friday, November 02, 2012

God Bless you both, and all of your family. A life long friend of Michael McMurphy



Kailee
donated$10.00
Friday, November 02, 2012



Tre - Tre
donated$20.00
Thursday, November 01, 2012

We love you guys and are so blessed by your relentless pursuit of giving two more children lives full of love, despite the overwhelming obstacles.



Josie, Sean, Sonia & Ellis
donated$80.00
Thursday, November 01, 2012

Much love coming your way!



LeBaron Family
donated$20.00
Thursday, November 01, 2012

Best Wishes!!!

Comments


So sorry!
Your strory had me balling my eyes out!! This hurt my heart, that poor baby!!!! Prayers are with you!!!

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