Livia’s Family
Hello! We are Marty and Annissa Duane. We have been married since September 2018 and met through God bringing us together at our current church. We live in the midwest and work in careers that support children and adults with disabilities to help them live a successful and healthy life. Since we were married, we knew that we wanted to adopt children with special needs to provide them with a loving and supportive forever home.
We believe adoption is one of the greatest pictures of redemption we can experience in our lives. Just as God redeemed us through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, we want to reflect that love and grace in how we live. Our decision to adopt a child with Down syndrome is deeply rooted in our personal, spiritual, and familial experiences. It is also a reflection of our profound commitment to providing a loving and supportive home for children with different abilities. God has led us, not only to each other in marriage, but also to share His love with a child who needs a family.
I, Annissa, have a heart for children with different abilities which has been shaped by my own experiences. Growing up with a sister who has Down syndrome, I developed an early understanding of the virtues of patience, unconditional love, and resilience. These values were a part of my everyday life. I became a believer at a young age, and through life's challenges, God has deepened my faith. During college, my parents adopted another sister who has both Down syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. This sister was instantly embraced into our family and has been a constant source of joy. I taught 5th grade for seven years, where I went above and beyond to support students with different abilities, especially those with Down syndrome. For the past five years, as a school counselor for 6th-8th graders, I have advocated for students with diverse needs, ensuring they receive the services necessary for their success. Through my work and personal life, I have learned invaluable lessons about inclusivity, empathy, and the unique joy that individuals with Down syndrome bring to the world. Their presence has equipped me with the skills and compassion needed to care for a child with Down syndrome.
I, Marty, share Annissa’s passion for supporting individuals with different abilities. I became a believer at a young age, but it wasn’t until I subbed in a special education classroom in 2015 that I realized how much I loved working with individuals with disabilities. This experience led me to work as a paraprofessional in a special education classroom for four years and two years as a camp counselor for adults with disabilities. Currently, I work as a Waiver Manager, connecting families of children with disabilities to government services. In this role, I have had the privilege of attending the state Special Olympics, helping clients compete and ensuring they have the best experience. The organization I work for runs workshops where clients can learn valuable skills, and I have been able to form lasting, positive relationships with many of them. I have a deep love and respect for Annissa’s sisters, as well as for all individuals with disabilities who come into my life through work, church, and camps. God has shaped my heart for advocacy, and I am dedicated to helping those with different abilities thrive.
Together, we have committed ourselves to creating a home that celebrates diversity and champions the potential of every individual. Our home is one where love, patience, and understanding are foundational, and where every person is valued for their unique contributions.
God has shown us unending love, grace, and patience throughout our journeys, and we seek to reflect that in our family.
Adopting a child with Down syndrome is a decision we have not taken lightly. It is a continuation of our lifelong commitment to advocating for individuals with different abilities. We understand the challenges that come with raising a child with Down syndrome, but our experiences have shown us the immense rewards and joy it brings. We are prepared to face these challenges head-on, equipped with the knowledge and dedication gained through our personal relationships and professional experiences. We trust that God will guide us, providing everything our future child needs.
In November of 2024, we were given information about a little girl with Down syndrome who needed an adoptive family. After reading her narrative, we knew this was the child God had prepared our hearts for. This was the moment where all of our experience, education, and our trust in God would come to fruition. We sent our information to the little girl’s family, and they felt an instant connection with us. The family could see how we were prepared to give her the best life possible. They chose us to be her adoptive parents and we felt incredibly blessed by this.
Indeed, it is our goal to offer our adopted child the best possible life within our family. We are committed to advocating for her rights, ensuring access to the necessary resources, and fostering an environment where she can thrive. We understand that every child with Down syndrome has unique needs, and we are prepared to tailor our approach to meet those needs effectively.
On March 21st, 2025 we welcomed our daughter, Livia, into our family —just as Christ has welcomed us! We are so honored that we are chosen to be her family - nurturing, supporting, and celebrating the unique joy she has brought, and will continue to bring into our lives. This date holds extra significance for us as March 21st is also World Down Syndrome Day, a celebration of individuals with Down syndrome.
