Against All Odds

Some doubted Orion would ever find a family of his own. Born healthy and happy, his life took a devastating turn when he suffered a traumatic brain injury as an infant, leaving him permanently disabled both mentally and physically. Forever stuck at the cognitive level of a 2-year-old, Orion has been wheelchair bound most of his life and never developed the ability to speak. He relies on others for everything.  

Looking at him today, this precious boy’s story might threaten to shatter your heart if not for the brilliant smile illuminating his face.

Because against all odds, Orion did find his forever family — one prepared specifically for him long before he was even born.

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Jeff and Emmy were asked simply to pray over Orion by a member of the Child Bridge staff. As she prayed, though, Emmy felt God press on her heart. She and Jeff had spent the last 20 years in ministry at a camp for children with disabilities. Their whole family, kids included, understood the challenges and blessings that came with caring for someone like Orion.

“I think we might be the family equipped to meet Orion’s needs,” Emmy told Jeff.

The next few months brought some major transitions for the family, including home renovations for Orion’s wheelchair, training on how to care for him and family meetings to prepare the other six siblings.

But as Jeff and Emmy adjusted to Orion’s need for round-the-clock care, they also recognized the joy and compassion he brought out in each member of the family.

“I will not deny that it’s exhausting,” Emmy said, “but the joy in participating in life alongside this child and seeing my family and community rally around him is a treasure indescribable!”

Today, Orion and his family are not only thriving — they’re some of their foster care community's biggest advocates for children with disabilities. Together, both parents and siblings work to educate other families about the care children like Orion need and how worthy of that care these children truly are.

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