MILWAUKEE — A West Allis couple is spreading the word about Gift of Adoption’s upcoming fundraiser after the group helped them grow their own family.
Adoption has always been a part of Rachel Geislinger’s life. Her older brother was adopted as a baby, and they remain close.
After going through treatments for childhood leukemia, Rachel knew conceiving a child would be difficult, so when she married David, they decided to adopt.
Shortly after adopting their first daughter, Emma, in 2017, David and Rachel Geislinger knew they wanted Emma to have a sibling.
The couple credits Gift of Adoption, Wisconsin’s chapter, for helping them make that dream a reality.
“After four long years of waiting, our agency presented us with expecting birthparents who were living in Florida,” they wrote to TMJ4. “As with any potential match, it can be risky, scary, and a large financial undertaking. After a week of anxious deliberation, we decided to follow our hearts, took a leap of faith, and accepted.”
Rachel explained that the cost of the second adoption was more than they anticipated, so they reached out to Gift of Adoption for help.
Costs including home studies, travel, and support for the birth mother can range from $15,000 to $80,000, John Teevan of Gift of Adoption explained.
In the Geislingers’ case, their second daughter, Tess, spent three weeks in the NICU following her birth in 2023. While they were able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House during that time, David and Emma eventually had to fly back to Milwaukee so Emma could start first grade.
Watch: Gift of Adoption to host its 9th annual trivia event on Milwaukee's Lakefront
To help make sure other families have support when needed, the Geislingers stopped by TMJ4 to promote Gift of Adoption, Wisconsin's Chapter 9th annual trivia event.
The event will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. on April 27 at the Miller Room on Milwaukee's Lakefront.
Tickets start at $125. The price includes a happy hour, a silent auction, a catered luncheon by Zilli’s, a six-round trivia competition, prizes, and "a few surprises."
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Gift of Adoption provides grants to complete adoptions for children in vulnerable circumstances, giving them permanent families and a chance to thrive. All funds raised will support the mission and vision of Gift of Adoption's Wisconsin chapter, according to their website.
The Miller Room is located at 910 East Michigan Avenue.
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