Maegan & Jonathan D. Allsup

Extending our Alphabet: A (Allsup), B (Burnell), and C (Child(ren))

We moved to Illinois and were married in December of 2018. We bought a historical house and have made it into a comfortable and loving home for us and our two dogs, Yvette and Charlotte. However, we have long lamented not having children as part of our nucleus.

So, we have officially started down the path to grow our family through adoption! We are in the middle of the home study process and once that is approved, we can apply to placement agencies.

Growing a family is never easy, whatever journey you are on; adoption is certainly no different. Most domestic adoptions cost between $30K - $60K. These funds pay for consultants, home study and placement agency fees, medical costs for expectant mother (if adopting a newborn), travel costs, and legal fees. While we were able to put some of our personal savings toward these expenses, along with a couple very generous family donations, we need to raise an additional $15K.

If you are so inclined to donate in support of our family growth, we’d so appreciate it. We intend to find a way to thank everyone who donates, no matter how small the amount. Many people have already helped us by donating to our fundraising garage sales this summer or sending us monetary gifts. Thank you for your kindness and help, please don’t feel obligated to give again.

If you cannot donate money, we completely understand. Your support can be felt in so many other ways: compassionately asking us about our adoption status, praying for us and our future child(ren), or reaching out once we have a placement to share a meal or playdate; all are blessings.

Thank you, 
Maegan and Jonathan