Allison and Josh Lewis always dreamed of a big family. Their love story began back in 2000 when they were college sweethearts. Soon after falling in love, they tied the knot, imagining a future filled with love, laughter, and a couple of kids. But life doesn’t always stick to the plan—it often surprises you in ways you could never expect.
The couple’s dreams of having two, maybe three kids quickly turned into a bustling household of six, with four biological children and one adopted child. And just when they thought their family was complete, fate threw them a curveball they never saw coming.
One day, Allison and Josh casually mentioned to their friend Janet, an adoption attorney, that they were thinking about adopting again. Little did they know, Janet would call them with life-changing news. She had met a woman who was pregnant with a baby boy and unable to care for him. Janet asked if they were interested in adopting the child.
Overwhelmed, the couple prayed and deliberated. Could they handle the chaos of seven children? Was this part of their destiny? After a weekend of reflection, they felt it in their hearts: this baby was meant to be part of their family. They packed their bags and headed to North Carolina, ready to meet their new son.
But just as they were on the road, Janet called again. Her voice was serious. “Does Josh have both hands on the steering wheel?” she asked. Confused, they braced themselves for what was coming next.
Janet revealed that during the latest ultrasound, doctors discovered the unthinkable—a second baby! The woman was pregnant with twins: a boy and a girl. The couple had been prepared to welcome one more child, but now they faced a life-changing decision. Could they handle two?
After a heartfelt discussion, they made the call. “We’ll adopt them both,” they told Janet. Their hearts were full, but the surprises weren’t over.
Janet called again, this time with devastating news. The baby girl, Ava, had severe complications. Doctors discovered she had almost no brain matter and doubted she would survive birth. The news was heartbreaking, but the couple knew their decision. They wouldn’t turn their backs on Ava—no matter how short her life might be.
Against all odds, Ava and her twin brother, Sam, were born. Miraculously, the birth went smoothly, and their mother had no major complications. But doctors confirmed Ava’s condition was as dire as they feared. She had a spinal cord but very little brain matter. Her life would require constant monitoring, but for Allison, Josh, and their kids, it didn’t matter. Ava was family, and they would love her fiercely for however long they had.
Caring for Ava came with enormous challenges—financial and emotional. Medical bills piled up as Ava was shuttled between home and the hospital. But the Lewis family wasn’t alone. Their friends stepped in, setting up a YouCaring page to help. Donations poured in from 280 kindhearted people, raising over $20,000. It was a testament to the power of community and the love Ava inspired.
Allison and Josh’s story is one of unshakable faith, resilience, and unconditional love. It’s a reminder that family isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up for one another, no matter the odds. If this story touched your heart, share it with someone who needs a little hope today. ❤️
