Heart Gallery & Local Doctor Bring Attention to Adoption

Ronda Eade was in her 30's and her career was in full swing as a Developmental Psychologist at Texas Tech University, but something was missing. That's when she decided to look into adoption.

First came Autumn and her sister Emmie, and then four months later, the girls' biological mother was pregnant again, with a boy.

"I really had to question myself. Can I do that? Can I raise three children by myself?" said Ronda.

She decided yes. So when Jeremiah came as a newborn, Ronda suddenly found herself the mother of three.

When asked if it's worth it, Ronda responds, "It is absolutely worth it. It is the best thing that has happened to me in my whole life."

Now Ronda is spreading the word that there are many children like hers, waiting for a loving home.

"There are kids with lots of developmental needs and kids with none. There are just kids that need a home. They are of all ranges and races. Anything that you could be looking for, the options are there." said Ronda.

In fact, a program called the Heart Gallery features the faces of area children ready for adoption. In other words there are no legal hassles.

Thanks to these heart-felt photos donated by area photographers, perspective parents can literally choose the right fit for their family. The portraits are on display all this week at the South Plains Mall.

Similar exhibits in 43 states have given dozens of children what they want most, a "forever home." For the parents, like Ronda, they now have a "forever family." This turned out to be just what she was looking for.

"I am so happy. It's like the best part of my life," Ronda said.

The Heart Gallery is on display at the South Plains Mall through next Saturday, October 20th. It features the faces of children ready for adoption and waiting for a home.

If you would like to know more about the Heart Gallery and its partnership with the Lubbock Interagency Adoption Council, Ronda will be a guest Monday on the HealthWise segment of NewsChannel 11 at 5 with details or you can send your questions to 11listens@kcbd.com