a healing story

What a great time to reflect on a family that DCCH was blessed to have joined in their 175-year legacy. Eighteen-year-old Denver, his parents, younger sister, and older brother reconnected with Ron Bertsch Adoption/Foster Care Director, to catch up on what all has happened in life since foster care. Ron knocked on the front door of their Crescent Springs home. The same door he remembered entering nearly thirteen years ago when Denver and sister Darcy first met Todd and Michele Hogan and their then 11-year-old son Lane. 

Hardly recognizable, this young man opening the door now has transformed into a handsome muscular fellow. He has become very disciplined, exercising in the gym regularly. Back then, Denver was this tiny little boy, so cute with his dark hair, big eyes, and beautiful smile. Denver just graduated from Dixie Heights High School and is attending NKU and living on campus. He appreciates the state funded scholarship for youth adopted through KY foster care which covers tuition. His other scholarships and KEES money help cover some room and board expenses. Being close to home affords him the opportunity to easily grab a home cooked meal or get help with laundry. But Denver says most importantly to see his family, something that means the world to him. Denver is studying Information Technology, majoring in applied software engineering. He follows his big brother in similar interests. Lane works for Kroger in their IT department after his graduation from NKU. 

Denver and Darcy both have a passion for music. Like Lane, Denver was in the high school marching band, and Darcy is in color guard. Denver plays the drums and the saxophone. With such raw talent, he plays music by ear, he serves in ministry at their church and performs in the praise band. 

Todd and Michele said they cannot imagine life without Denver and Darcy. It felt right from the start, and they love being foster/adoptive parents. Not to say that there was never worry or stress, but all worth it to see Denver and Darcy’s growth, and for Lane to have siblings. 

Denver and Darcy excitedly showed their photo albums of family vacations. Their Alaskan cruise, trips to National Parks, seeing the Northwest and the Northeast were awesome. Their annual trips to Walt Disney World, something Michele and Todd enjoyed way before the kids even came along created more special memories. Denver and Darcy caught the travel bug, and both talk about wanting to go to Hawaii and Denver dreams of going to Japan. 

When asked about their first memory with the Hogan family, Denver smiled saying it was Michele allowing him a monkey hug, where he wrapped his legs and arms around her, knowing he found his forever mom. He also recalled that Todd let him eat as many nacho chips as possible that first visit. Darcy shared a similar story, where she held the hands of her new mom and dad, climbing up their bodies, flipping herself over, time and time again. 

DCCH is very proud of the Hogan family. We love hearing and highlighting their story. Please consider fostering or adopting! Help change the life of the next child needing a family.