:: Why Luke & Katie are Adopting ::
Three and a half years ago, about a month before their wedding, Katie and Luke were surprised to find out that Katie has kidney disease from a previously undiagnosed genetic disorder. In the coming months, they had some very difficult discussions with Katie’s nephrologist and primary care doctor about their prospects as parents. It was explained that due to her kidney disease, the risks both to the baby and Katie make it inadvisable to pursue biological pregnancy.
While she may not be healthy enough to safely experience pregnancy, her doctors have confirmed that she is healthy enough to be a parent. Katie enjoys a fairly normal life, works a full time job, and has hobbies while sometimes experiencing some fatigue. It can be challenging at times, but Katie is so blessed to have such a supportive and helpful husband always willing to go above and beyond for her. They are also blessed with so many family and friends living close by who are ready and willing to partner with them whenever we may need support. It takes a village and they have a city.
While finding out that they could not conceive biological children of their own has been a difficult realization to accept, Luke and Katie have always had a passion for adoption. Two of Luke’s younger siblings are adopted and even in their earliest days of dating, Luke and Katie had several discussions about adoption. While they’ve looked into domestic adoption as well as international adoption, a unique opportunity has been offered to them.
Evan and Amber Van Duyne have been close friends of Katie’s for over a decade. They went through their own infertility journey and now have two sons of their own through embryo adoption. In an act of generosity greater than anything Luke and Katie could have ever asked for, Evan and Amber have offered to have Amber be their gestational carrier for their own embryo adoption. Amber has gone through the process herself and as a doula, she knows all the ins and outs of pregnancy. Along with being an incredible friend, Luke and Katie also couldn’t ask for a more qualified surrogate.
1 Corinthians 4:3-4 says “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” The Van Duyne’s have gone through their own infertility journey relying on God’s timing and provision, and now they are able to play such a vital part in Luke and Katie’s journey to parenthood. Luke and Katie are so excited to walk this path together, trusting God’s plan, His sovereignty, and His will for their lives and for their family.
:: Why Amber is Their Carrier ::
"My husband Evan and I are high school sweethearts, we got married in early college and have been brought to where we are now only by God’s unending grace and faithfulness. Childhood cancer not only left my husband blind, but also infertile; and because of this, we faced our own difficult journey with infertility. Though the beauty of embryo adoption, we now have two incredible sons who we couldn’t be more in love with and more grateful for! There are no words to describe the blessing it is to be parents.
I met Katie over a decade ago when she was a part of a band that my husband played in; her warmth and senses of humor shone through so much that even this extreme introvert was drawn in. Through the years, our friendship has continued to grow; not only is she fun to spend time with, she is also an incredibly caring friend. She sat with me in the hospital during my painful miscarriage, cared for me during my own postpartum periods, and has loved our kids like family. It was such a joy to stand by her side as her maid of honor when she married her (other) best friend Luke!
My heart broke when she shared that their dream of carrying a baby would never come. I know how it feels to live with a painful longing for motherhood, I know what it’s like to wait, pray and hope for the chance. I believe the Lord is calling us to bless Katie and Luke from the overflow of blessing we ourselves received.
I wouldn’t do this for anyone, but I know wholeheartedly that these two will be outstanding parents, and I can’t wait to be a part of it! It is my joy and honor to become Katie and Luke’s gestational carrier, and lovingly usher them into parenthood." - Amber Van Duyne
:: How You Can Support ::
Prayer :: For the entire process, for Amber's health and pregnancy, and for Luke & Katie's preparation in becoming parents.
Donations :: For the adoption agency, clinic expenses, and legal expenses involved.
