In 2006, we adopted two beautiful girls from Ethiopia. In 2008, we brought home their older brother and younger sister. With our two biological sons, we went from a family of four to a family of eight in the space of just two years. Although sometimes tough, those years were some of my happiest and we grew into a close and loving family. However, in 2011 I suddenly found myself divorced, a house in foreclosure and financially bankrupt with five kids under the age of fifteen still in my care. I worked several jobs simultaneously for a while before finally finding one that could cover most of our monthly expenses. Still I was overwhelmed with the medical, dental and orthodontic bills that had accumulated. The mountain of debt seemed insurmountable.
I still remember the day Page and Tess met me at my doorstep with an oversized check. I was truly confused as to what was happening. It was hard for me to wrap my head around the idea that they were there to present me with this gift of funds. It was so unexpected, but so, so much appreciated. This check from the Cash Scanlon Phillips Foundation helped me to pay some bills and decrease that weight of debt that I had been carrying for some time. I knew of Tess and Page’s foundation and always admired their tireless efforts and generosity. They have helped so many families along in their adoptive journeys. I never expected to be on the receiving end of that one day.
My kids are in their teens and twenties now and life isn’t quite as financially distressed as it was before. They are all aware of the Cash Scanlon Phillips Foundation, its personal impact on our family and how it continues to help other families like our own in need. Page, Tess and the foundation will always have a special place in our hearts. We can never thank you enough!
–Sherri Frich
