[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26620]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE FANNIN FAMILY AS ``ANGELS IN ADOPTION''

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TIMOTHY WALBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 3, 2007

  Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kent and Marilyn 
Fannin as ``Angels in Adoption.''
  In 2003, Kent and Marilyn Fannin came to Family Service and 
Children's Aid in Jackson, Michigan and inquired about providing a home 
for abused and neglected children. Although they had a young son of 
their own, they felt their mission in life was to provide for other 
children who needed them.
  Within a year of being licensed as foster parents, they began caring 
for a severely mentally and physically handicapped 7-year-old boy who 
suffered from cerebral palsy, seizures and autism. He was non-verbal 
and functioning as an 8-month-old. Even though the couple recently had 
their second child, they gladly accepted this child into their home. 
Within 6 months, because of the Fannins' hard work, encouragement and 
support, this young man progressed until he was able to feed himself, 
walk with assistance and communicate his needs.
  In 2005, Kent and Marilyn began attending a Bible and missionary 
training college and were considering serving on a foreign mission 
field. However, during this time, the now ten year old boy's mother 
released her parental rights. After spending some time considering the 
situation, they made the decision to adopt this child and decided their 
mission in life was to help other children like him. In 2006, the 
Fannins were contacted again about a baby girl who needed placement. 
They chose to adopt her as well. They recently cared for a 1\1/2\-year-
old legally blind child and have since become the birth mother's 
support system. When a 9-year-old girl needed emergency placement, Kent 
and Marilyn helped nurture her through a traumatic time.
  Caseworkers describe the Fannins as patient, generous, understanding, 
nurturing, stable, considerate and selfless. They treat children, 
families and workers with respect and are always willing to go the 
extra mile for a child in need. They are never negative. They carefully 
and prayerfully consider which children they can be most effective 
with. They do not seek attention for themselves and ask nothing in 
return. They have dedicated their lives to helping needy children.
  ``The dedication of Kent and Marilyn to giving cheerfully of their 
time and talents has left an indelible, lifelong impact on the lives of 
several boys and girls in south-central Michigan. It gives me great 
pleasure to honor this remarkable couple that truly deserves the title 
`Angels in Adoption.' ''

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