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Canada — For six long years, Michael, Liam and Nathan lingered in foster care after enduring abuse and neglect as their family of origin struggled to parent them.  

The siblings recall that they frequently went to bed hungry and missed days of school. 

“The life there wasn’t very good,” said Liam. 

Being placed into the foster care system brought new feelings of fear and loss. Michael remembers the day they were removed from their house and placed into foster care. He was not sure what was happening.  

“I… thought that I wouldn’t see my family, my brothers, ever again, so it was scary,” said Michael.  

The brothers longed for a permanent home where they could grow up … together.  

Michael was especially worried as they grew older and older. He knew being adopted into a safe, loving family was what he and his brothers needed. 

“I got to know foster kids while I was in the system, a lot of them who’d aged out, and they told me about how bad it is and how there’s no one there for you.” 

Thankfully, Michael, Liam and Nathan were adopted by Delon and Melisa with support from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption—Canada and their Wendy’s Wonderful Kids™ recruiter, Cynthia. 

Through Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, the Foundation supports the hiring of adoption professionals, known as recruiters, who are dedicated to finding permanent families for children in foster care who are too often overlooked. That includes teenagers, children with special needs and siblings. 

The brothers clearly expressed to Cynthia what they needed in a family — people who would value them and who would keep them together. 

Delon and Melisa provided the security and love that Michael, Liam and Nathan needed. 

“It feels like it’s a real thing now, and I can focus on what I want to be when I grow up and stuff like that,” said Michael. 

The children have experienced several special firsts together, from attending birthday parties and sleepovers to becoming involved in sports and music. But some of the most special firsts have been the simplest. 

“This chokes me up a bit. Nathan has got to experience a mommy to tuck him in at night and to read him a story and to cuddle,” said Melisa. “It means a lot to him, and it certainly means a lot to us as well.” 

Every child deserves a safe, loving and permanent home. Discover ways you can donate to help give siblings, llike Michael, Liam and Nathan, who are still waiting in foster care the chance to grow up … together.