Our Success

A Lifetime Connection

Kim Rowe met Courtney six years ago while providing respite care, a service offered to foster families that allows another licensed family to provide short-term relief.

Courtney was two months old and suffered from Cerebral Palsy. Although Rowe had no prior medical experience, she quickly learned how to care for Courtney's special needs.

When Courtney's biological mother terminated her parental rights, Courtney was placed with relatives. But after a few short months, the relatives decided they could no longer care for her, and Rowe became her official foster parent.

"It was not a decision that came easily because of her special needs," said Rowe. "But I did not want to see her floating around the system. Now, I can't imagine her anywhere else."

Rowe and Courtney experienced a few scares early on. Courtney was hospitalized for pneumonia within a week of moving in due to a problem swallowing her formula. She has since had corrective surgery and now uses a feeding tube.

Today, Courtney is 6 years old. She doesn't walk or talk, but she is extremely bright and expressive. She is considered medically stable and attends a public kindergarten at a school that is proficient in caring for disabled children. Staff nurses help with feeding and respiratory treatment.

"They are finding that she is very alert and hope to move her to a new class to challenge her further," said Rowe.

Although Courtney is nonverbal, she knows how to communicate. She knows how to make a sad face or she'll fuss when she's bored or tired.

"If she's not happy with me, she'll smile at someone else, but give me a dirty look," said Rowe. "Although she can't vocalize, we're hoping she will be able to communicate through assisted technology in the future."

Rowe is in the process of making Courtney an official part of her family through adoption. She is working with a Kids Hope United adoption specialist to ensure the proper paperwork and waivers are in place.

"Courtney has brought me so much joy," said Rowe. "I'm so thankful that she came into my life."