16 Wellpoint Children Join Their Forever Families on National Adoption Day

The Petersohns are a family of nine today, after adopting one-year-old Ezalina. Their family became complete on November 18, 2022, as part of National Adoption Day.

“We feel like a huge weight has been lifted off our shoulders, knowing we go to bed tonight with such permanence,” said mother Tania Petersohn.

Tania and husband Steven have four biological children, ages seven, nine, 11 and 13; and, had previously adopted two children, ages one and five.

“Every child that’s come into our home, we’ve always asked our children if we should do it again,” said Steven. “Always kind of anticipating a, ‘Hey, this is a lot.’ But, every single time, our kids have said ‘yes.’ Resoundingly, yes. And so, it’s awesome to be part of it. And, when we push our kids, ‘Are you sure? Why should we say yes again?’ Every time, they say, ‘Because there are more kids out there that need it.’”

The Petersohns say they were recommended to Wellpoint from friends at church, and have opened their doors to foster children for the last six years.

“We have a great network between family, friends and church. A great support system is around us. We leveraged our full network, and continue to,” said Steven.

“The highs and lows are really intense, so you need a group, you need people, you need a support system for sure. But, it’s the most beautiful thing,” added Tania.

For anyone who is considering fostering or adopting in the future, Steven says do it.

“Don’t wait for the day when you feel you’re going to be 100% ready, because you’ll never be 100% ready. Don’t try to plan for all the things, because you can’t and you won’t. But, that said, get involved and say ‘yes.’”

To find out how you can get involved, visit https://wellpointcare.org/get-involved.