| November 2011-Lora and Randy Boesem |
| Tuesday, 01 November 2011 16:12 |
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This month's Committed to Kids goes to a couple in Newell who only adopts children with FASD. Randy and Nora Boesem have adopted nine children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and have cared for more than 70 foster kids over the years as well. This couple from Newell originally said no to adopting children with FASD, but quickly fell in love with the kids who were born with the disorder. Nora says adopting these children has been very rewarding, but is not always a piece of cake. Nora Boesem says, "It has been challenging. We've had to change some things. I think the main thing is learning to change some of your expectations when you're dealing with a child with FASD and not that they can't achieve things, these kids can, it's just maybe changing how they go about it and learning to have a good sense of humor, have a good routine, and just kind of loving them through some of the challenges. But it has been wonderful." Randy and Nora have an organization called Route to Wings where they offer mentor-ship, support groups, and parenting groups to help others deal with FASD. Nora Boesem says, "We try to support them through some of the stuff we went through on our own because originally you got a diagnosis and they handed you the paper and said good luck, and people started saying, 'We need help.'" In October Randy and Nora were presented the Angels in Adoption award in a ceremony with Senator Tim Johnson. Nora says she was surprised to hear about the award and glad to bring awareness to FASD. Nora Boesem says, "I think the award was a nice recognition of the work we've tried to do. For me, I really hope the attention does continue to be on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder because South Dakota is now the number one state for incidents of FASD." Nora says it's most important for people to know that kids with FASD have a lot to offer, and people should look at them for adoption. She says she and her husband have a great support group and truly enjoy the chaos that takes place in their lives each day. Nora Boesem says, "It takes a good sense of humor, but it's a life I'd never do without." Thanks to Randy and Nora, people are becoming more aware of FASD, and these children know they always have a place to call home. That's why Black Hills FOX salutes the Boesems for being Committed to Kids. Tessa Thomas |
