[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 135 (Wednesday, September 23, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S9731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO THE HEATWOLE FAMILY

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I am a proud member of the 
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, and each year I 
participate in the Angel of Adoption program to recognize a family, 
caseworker, or judge who works in my State to promote adoptions and 
permanency for vulnerable children.
  Throughout my career in the U.S. Senate, I have worked hard on 
Federal legislation to promote adoptions and permanency, and to invest 
in the child welfare system to improve our care and services. I am 
truly motivated by the families and dedicated professionals I meet 
thanks to the Angels in Adoption event.
  This year, I was proud to accept the nomination of the West Virginia 
Children's Home Society of the family of Dawn and Dave Heatwole as the 
2009 West Virginia Angel in Adoption.
  This award is used to recognize those who reach out to vulnerable 
children and provide them with a safe and loving home. David and Dawn 
have an amazing story that has touched the lives of so many needy 
children, and I would like to share their story with you now.
  Dawn and David had been married several years when they were told 
that it was unlikely they would be able to have children. Rather than 
becoming discouraged, the couple decided that they would like to adopt 
a young boy from Russia who they had found out about through their 
church. While waiting for the lengthy international adoption process to 
go through, Dawn and David decided to become foster parents.
  In April 2005 the Heatwoles undertook the challenge of caring for a 
7- month-old boy with serious medical problems. Less than a year later 
the child was placed on a donor list because he required a liver 
transplant. As his condition continued to worsen, Dawn's sister 
volunteered to be tested and proved to be an appropriate donor match. 
The surgery was successful and their adopted son, Adam, is now a 
healthy 4 year old.
  Shortly after bringing Adam into their home, David and Dawn took in 
another infant foster child, Ethan. Nine months later they welcomed 
Ethan's brother Asa into their growing family. In January of 2007, the 
Heatwoles were able to adopt Pasha from Russia, and they did not stop 
there. In May of 2008, they also accepted Adam's sister as another 
precious child in their home.
  Over the past 5 years, the Heatwoles have provided a safe and loving 
environment for nine children. They have opened their home to children 
in need, and have fought to ensure that children are the top priority 
in the foster care system. Dawn and David have endured the challenges 
that accompany ailing and drug dependent infants, as well as the 
challenge of helping a non-English speaking child adapt to a new 
culture.
  Mr. President, I have been delighted to share the Heatwole family's 
touching story with you. It is my firm belief that the people of West 
Virginia possess a great compassion to help those in need. The 
Heatwoles are an inspiration to us all.

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