Family Adopts Four Children With Rare Disease

Growing up, Kristi Smith was diagnosed with a rare disease commonly known as PKU. PKU stands for phenylketonuria, a genetic disease which causes increased levels of phenylalanine in the blood. This buildup can result in seizures, poor brain development, and other severe health issues. Thankfully, the disease can be controlled through a strict diet.

Getting pregnant with PKU can be dangerous for both mother and child, so when Kristi and her husband Matt decided to become parents, they chose adoption. They also decided that they would be very interested in adopting children with PKU since they already need to live a lifestyle that suits Kristi's needs.

International Adoption Creates A Family Of Six 

After searching for several years, the Smiths found their first two children in China. They flew over and adopted Luke and Andrew, two-year-old boys. A few years later, Kristi also connected with a 7-year-old and a 13-year-old. Unsure if they could afford to adopt two more children, the couple advocated for the children and begged others to adopt, but to no avail. So they once again flew overseas and came home with two more boys.

Despite concerns because the older boys had not been on a PKU diet, the family of four is thriving. Their oldest son, Ben, was originally non-verbal but is already learning to speak in his new, caring environment where his medical needs are being met.

You can read the Smiths full adoption story here.

Are You Considering Adoption?

 Adoptions From The Heart has been helping individuals and couple with the adoption process for more than 30 years. Although primarily a domestic adoption agency, our adoption professionals can assist with international adoption home studies.

To learn more about the adoption process contact one of our local adoption agencies.


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