When Alison found out she was pregnant in 2016, she was in one of the darkest chapters of her life. Deep in the throes of addiction, she was overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. As a mother already to her son Brady, born in 2011, she loved being a mom, but addiction had drained her strength and ability to care for him the way she wanted. Adding another child into that dynamic, she knew, would be unfair to everyone involved.
“When I found out I was pregnant, it was not planned and I was in quite possibly the worst part of my life at the time, deep into addiction.”
Faced with an unplanned pregnancy, Alison explored her options and came to a decision that she felt would be best for her baby, herself, and her family: open adoption. That’s when she found Adoptions From The Heart (AFTH).
Finding Support at AFTH
From the beginning, Alison says AFTH offered not only guidance but genuine care. She connected with Amanda, her AFTH counselor, who quickly became her strongest advocate.
“I was frozen with overwhelming fear, but when I met Amanda, she stuck by me every step of the way. Fighting for me when I couldn’t, fighting with me when I needed to be fought with, and always supporting me no matter the circumstances.”
Alison was candid about her struggles during pregnancy. Depressed and still battling addiction, she received very little prenatal care. But when she did make it to appointments, it was because Amanda helped her get there.
One of the most meaningful parts of working with AFTH was learning that adoption isn’t one-size-fits-all. Amanda showed her the many ways open adoption could be shaped around her needs and values.
“They let me know that if this was the route I chose, there are so many different options that would work best for me and my babies.”
Choosing a Family
When it came time to choose an adoptive family, Alison was given a binder full of profiles. One in particular stood out: an LGBTQ couple with a daughter already at home.
“Their story, their photos; everything about them just screamed ‘this is his family!’”
She didn’t set out to choose a family based on sexual orientation, but she’s grateful her son, Isaac, is growing up in a home filled with love, inclusion, and acceptance.
In January 2017, Alison gave birth to Isaac. Out of deep love and selflessness, she chose not to spend time with him in the hospital. She wanted to give those precious first bonding moments to his adoptive parents.
“If I loved him one ounce less, I would have kept him.”
Healing After Placement
Six months after Isaac was born, Alison reunited with him and his two moms at AFTH’s Annual Family Picnic. That moment marked a turning point in her journey. A moment of healing, gratitude, and connection.
Her relationship with Isaac’s family has grown beautifully over the years.
“My relationship with his parents is wonderful. We’ve adjusted and learned each other’s boundaries. Recently, Isaac started asking more about who I am and wanting to talk with me more. Our relationship is growing, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Today, Isaac knows who Alison is and the important role she plays in his life. And Alison credits his parents not only for giving him a loving home but also for giving her a second chance at life.
“Them making the decision to adopt Isaac also afforded me a second chance at getting this right. There aren’t words to adequately express my gratitude for everything they’ve done; for my life and for that wonderful little boy.”
The Power of Community
Alison didn’t go through this journey alone. AFTH’s birth parent support groups played a critical role in her healing and recovery.
“It’s the women in that support group who are holding me up and celebrating me.”
On May 12, 2025, Alison celebrated eight years clean. Her journey wasn’t easy, but with support, love, and the opportunity to heal, she’s now the mother her children deserve.
Open adoption, as Alison says, is a journey of learning and growing, for everyone involved. It’s about creating relationships based on love, trust, and understanding.
“I mean, to be honest, that’s what we’re all looking for when we enter into the situation. To find someone who will love our child as close to the way that we would if we could keep them.”
For birth parents exploring their options, Alison’s story is a reminder that support is out there, and that open adoption can be a path toward healing. Not just for the child, but for the parent too.
Learn More About Open Adoption
If you or someone you know is considering adoption, Adoptions From The Heart offers compassionate, nonjudgmental support and guidance. Every adoption journey is unique, and AFTH is here to walk alongside you through every step.
Be Part of the 40 Families Series
As AFTH celebrates 40 years of building families, we’re looking for birth and adoptive families to share their stories. If you’d like to be featured, please send your story to mayrah@afth.org and follow us on Instagram for more stories like Alison’s.
Follow Alison’s journey and others like hers on our Instagram page.
