Over the next few weeks, they worked with their social worker to weigh their options heavily, ultimately deciding that Nolan needed a family who would be able to give him everything he needs, in a stable home where he would be able to remain, and that adoption provided that opportunity to Nolan.

As soon as Spence-Chapin began to search for potential adoptive families for Nolan, the team received a call from Holly, who had adopted her son through the Special Needs Adoption Program several years ago and was looking to grow her family again She immediately felt drawn to Nolan’s story after reading the description on the Waiting Children page, and hoped that she and her family would be a good fit. Nolan’s birth family met with her and felt that she and her family would provide a wonderful home for their son.

In March, Nolan was finally well enough to be discharged into the home of his new family, who had already prepared their home with the equipment that Nolan would need. His new brother was especially delighted that he and Nolan share a similar cultural birth heritage and is excited of the prospect of one day sharing with Nolan all that he has learned about his birth culture through the youth classes and community his adoptive mom has connected him to.

Today, Nolan is doing well in his new home and reportedly has learned to smile—especially in moments when his beaming big brother is at his side.

*Children’s names have been changed to protect privacy