MINNESOTA ORGANIZATION ON FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME

When Ann-Marie and Tony opened their hearts and home to five adopted children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, nothing could have prepared them for what was ahead. Ann-Marie remembers, “When we adopted our first baby, Lauren, I was working in the special education field, and we knew that she had Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). It didn’t matter. We just knew she was ours right from the start. But none of the rest of the kids had been identified as having issues. Frankly, we didn’t have a clue what we were getting into.” The challenges for families living with FASD are intense, and at times, may even be overwhelming. What helps Ann-Marie and Tony get through many of the tough days is their strong faith and their biological, 15 year-old daughter, Alyssa, who is terrific with the kids and gives them a periodic reprieve from the screaming, hitting, crying and even rage that are all part of a normal day. And they connected with the Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS). “At times I felt like we were on an island. We were lost,” shared Ann-Marie. “Not until we connected with MOFAS and other families through the Family Seminar Series and at the Family Retreats, did we feel like there was hope. For once, others understand. At camp, no one judges you. Our kids can be around other kids who are going through the same things." “We definitely have our happy times,” says Ann-Marie, “but it is a daily struggle. No one tells you the toll it can take on your family, on your marriage, and on your own soul. But it helps to know that MOFAS is here for support not only for our family, but for so many. We are not alone. We have a hand to hold through this journey, and this has had a huge impact on us.” You can help MOFAS help families like Ann-Marie & Tony's by making a tax-deductible donation. When you make a donation to MOFAS, 85% of your donation will go to work in the community, training teachers, educating childbearing age families and supporting families who are raising children with FASD. MOFAS thanks all the donors who have supported our work over the years. Your support has made a difference in the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders community.