In Mercer County, Kentucky, the Olmstead family has become a beacon of hope for children in need. With backgrounds as paramedics, Matthew and Abby Olmstead were inspired to embark on fostering children in 2015 after witnessing numerous heart-wrenching moments involving child removals from homes. Their journey includes fostering 15 children and adopting two, including their daughter Charlee, born with Down Syndrome and a congenital heart defect. Despite losing Charlee in 2022, the couple chose to continue fostering, focusing specifically on children with medical complexities, underscoring their unwavering commitment to helping others.
Matthew and Abby’s decision to foster children was rooted in their professional experiences. As paramedics, they encountered many difficult situations where children were removed from unsafe environments. These encounters deeply moved them, prompting their decision to use their stable home environment and available time to help vulnerable children. In 2018, they adopted their son and later welcomed Charlee into their lives, marking a pivotal moment in their fostering journey. Charlee’s birth story was nothing short of magical, with Matthew even cutting the umbilical cord.
Charlee’s life was marked by significant medical challenges, including a congenital heart defect that necessitated surgery just days after her birth. Her condition required intensive care during her early years, but despite these obstacles, she brought immense joy to her family. "She had this incredible way of making everyone feel special," Abby reminisced. Tragically, Charlee fell critically ill at age three and succumbed to her illness in 2022, leaving an indelible void in the family's hearts.
Rather than retreat from fostering after such a profound loss, the Olmsteads decided to continue opening their home, now focusing on children with complex medical needs. Recognizing the unique demands of caring for such children, they embarked on raising funds for a wheelchair-accessible van, acknowledging the substantial financial investment required. This step exemplifies their faith-driven approach to fostering, where love takes precedence over logistical concerns. “We’re learning to say yes first and figure out the rest along the way,” Abby explained.
The Olmsteads’ story is one of resilience and compassion, illustrating how love can transcend personal loss. By choosing to focus on children with medical complexities, they demonstrate an extraordinary level of commitment and empathy. Their journey serves as an inspiration to others, proving that even in the face of adversity, there remains a powerful drive to help those most in need. Through their actions, the Olmsteads remind us of the transformative power of love and community support in creating brighter futures for all children.