Senator McConnell nominated the Thomas family for the national award after helping them navigate adoption obstacles.
Thomas family: 'Senator McConnell became our champion when we needed it most.'
Photo courtesy of the Thomas family. Children L-R: Henry, Ned, Rowan, and Burke
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) welcomed Chris and Angie Thomas, of Louisville, Kentucky to the U.S. Capitol to congratulate them on being recognized as 2019 Angels in Adoption. Senator McConnell recommended the Thomas family for the honor.
Senator McConnell welcomes parents, Angie and Chris Thomas, to his Leadership Office in the United States Capitol.
Chris and Angie were matched with their son, Rowan, from Ethiopia in 2016. Unfortunately, the Ethiopian government imposed an indefinite suspension of adoptions preventing the Thomas family from bringing their son home. Senator McConnell stepped in to help the Thomas family as well as a number of other Kentucky families experiencing this same obstacle in their adoption process. On behalf of his constituents, Senator McConnell contacted Ethiopia's Ambassador to the United States and the Ethiopian Prime Minister urging a resolution. With his help, along with pressure from Congress and the U.S. State Department, the Thomas family was finally able to bring its newest member to Kentucky in August 2017.
"Chris and Angie Thomas worked for years to grow their family through adoption, and it was a real pleasure to be able to help," said Senate Majority Leader McConnell. "This family's story is one of inspiring persistence, and I was proud to nominate them to be Angels in Adoption and present them with their award. One of my greatest privileges representing Kentucky in the Senate is helping families in need, and I'm glad the Thomas family is receiving this well-deserved recognition."
"When the Ethiopian government suspended international adoptions, we had already been in the process for seven years. Chris and I were heartbroken at the thought of not being able to bring our son, Rowan, home," Angie Thomas said. "We reached out to Senator McConnell in 2017, and he became our champion when we needed it most. He put pressure on Ethiopian leaders, and they agreed to complete our adoption as well as other families already in the process. We are incredibly thankful to Senator McConnell for his support in helping us unite our family and bring our son to Kentucky."
Angels in Adoption is a public awareness campaign by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. Each year, Members of Congress can nominate constituents who are helping to improve the lives of children in need of families.
For Kentucky families who may also need assistance with international adoption, please contact the Senator's office in Louisville at (502) 582-6304 or online: https://sen.gov/R4W4
