WHY WE GIVE : GREG AND STEPHANIE VIRGIN
In a moment , on September 22 , 2014 , the trajectory of Greg Virgin ’ s life changed drastically . “ I was led back to the surgery recovery room , where my wife Stephanie was still waking up . We had just learned she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer , and we lost our ability to have children ,” shares Greg , Board of Directors member and Associate Board Chairperson for the Home .
After helping Stephanie through her first cancer battle , they studied options for how they could become parents . “ For me , one of the toughest things was the loss of my fertility ,” Stephanie said . “ I cried and told my husband , ‘ We would have made such beautiful babies . He was nothing short of amazing , though . Greg said , ‘ We ’ re going to do whatever it takes for you to be a mom .’”
After much reading , research , and processing , Greg and Stephanie chose to become foster parents . They were trained and certified within a few short months , ready to welcome children into their home . As the two learned more about the foster care system , they were shocked to hear gut-wrenching stories of abuse and neglect . “ The stories social workers would share when they called looking for a home often brought us to tears ,” explains Greg . “ We had no idea children and families were dealing with these circumstances , and we learned how challenging it could be to attain services and support .”
After a few years of fostering , the Virgins adopted biological brothers Ben and Noah . “ We were so happy to finally have a family of our own , but we couldn ’ t forget the stories we heard , the children we met , and the families in desperate need of support , love , and a home ,” shares Greg .
Not long after adopting their youngest son , Greg was invited to tour Home of the Innocents . Walking in the halls , observing the services we offer , he was immediately committed to our mission and wanted to know what he could do to help . “ The Home exists to serve children and families without options or support . The Home is where abused , neglected , and medically complex children are welcomed , supported , encouraged , and given a chance . The services provided by the Home wrap around children and families in need . It is a place where stories can change , and children and families have the tools to write their own success stories .”
The Virgins said it was an easy decision to support the Home after their journey . “ Through the work of the Home , we know we participate in providing love and compassion to children in our community who need it most .”
THROUGH THE WORK OF THE HOME , WE KNOW WE PARTICIPATE IN PROVIDING LOVE
AND COMPASSION TO CHILDREN IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO NEED IT MOST .