In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes engage in a heartfelt conversation with Judy Wright, a foster parent who, alongside her late husband, fostered 55 children, many of whom were medically fragile. Judy focuses on telling the incredible story of fostering Jaden, a two month old medically fragile baby who Judy was told would not survive, born with severe complications and later found to have no pancreas.

Judy's story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the impact of fostering on both the children and the caregivers. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of caregiving and navigating the foster care system, emphasizing the importance of love and attachment in fostering. The conversation also highlights the significance of advocacy for children in care and the legacy of love through the John and Judy Wright Scholarship, aimed at supporting youth from foster care in their pursuit of education.

Buy the book "Just Hold Her" or book Judy to speak:
https://justholdher.com/index.html

Takeaways

• Judy and her husband fostered 55 children over 12 years.
• They were named Michigan Foster Parents of the Year in 2012.
• Judy's memoir is based on her experiences with a medically fragile child.
• Fostering can start with short-term or respite care.
• The importance of community support in caregiving.
• Breast milk was crucial for Jaden's survival.
• Judy faced significant challenges in caring for Jaden.
• The emotional connection between Judy and Jaden was profound.
• Jaden's diagnosis of being born without a pancreas was shocking.
• The journey of fostering is filled with both challenges and triumphs. I have no idea how long.
• This really is a miraculous story.
• NICUs are awesome, but they don't have time.
• This baby just never had that opportunity.
• Love gives you eyes.
• We don't get to decide where they land.
• You don't hold back on that attachment.
• Children deserve to have a voice.
• It's love in abundance.
• You need to advocate for them.

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.

Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.

Meet kids awaiting adoption.

Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.

Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.