A Foster to Adoption Journey of Love, Advocacy, and Unwavering Grace

Kelly and Kevin began their foster journey in 2004, inspired by their experience raising their biological child with significant medical needs. That sparked a lifelong passion for caring for children with complex medical conditions. 

Today, the Kniss family includes two biological children, five adopted children and one informally adopted adult, eight children in all. Each child’s story is unique but one thing remains constant, Kelly and Kevin’s boundless love and commitment. 

“When you take medical special needs kids there there’s always way more under the surface that we don’t know about these kids than what’s on the surface,» Kelly explained.

Among their children, Malkahm and Everly’s stories are really profound. Both were adopted from the Heart Institute at Children’s Hospital after being born with heart conditions. Malkahm’s story is especially poignant. After initially declining due to Everly’s high needs, their agency, confident in Kelly and Kevin’s ability to care for him, accepted Malkahm on their behalf. Malkahm received a life-saving heart transplant soon after.

«Within 15 minutes of them declaring they were going to take him off the list, before they formally took him off the list, our agency called in and said that we would take him…then they got a call for his heart,” Kelly recalled.

Because one of their children is immunocompromised, the family finds joy in the time spent at home, from dance parties to afternoons in the backyard jump castle. When they venture out, they prefer open-air spaces like zoos or outdoor festivals.  

With help from the team of nurses and their adult children who live nearby, Kelly and Kevin ensure their kids’ complex needs are met with patience and grace. Kelly’s 34 years of experience have made her a skilled advocate in both medical and educational systems.

“Kelly has become an expert at navigating the systems and learning how to get doctors to talk to each other and learning how to make sure that if things aren’t quite right to call that out. And also getting the kids to receive the therapies that they need, the accommodations that they need, and the equipment that they need,” Kevin explained.

Maintaining connections with birth families, even after adoption, is a deeply held value for the Kniss family. Kelly emphasizes that these relationships are vital for a child’s well-being and sense of identity. 

“Malcolm adores his birth parents,” she said. “ It was clear that it was really important to Malcolm that he maintained that connection with them and we could see how important it was to his birth parents to maintain some connection with Malcolm too.”

Their journey hasn’t been without heartbreak. They’ve experienced profound loss, including the passing of their daughter Sierra at 14 due to medical complications. They’ve also felt the pain and joy of saying goodbye when children reunite with their birth families.

«Fostering can make you humble’” said Kelly. «You grieve the kids that leave and they’re all worth it. They’re all worth breaking your heart over.»

Even through the challenges, the rewards are immeasurable. Kelly and Kevin find deep joy in seeing their children thrive far beyond their expectations.

“We see kids that come in with certain prognosis then we watch them flower and thrive and exceed expectations. Feel free to tell my kids what they can’t do. They’ll blow it out of the water,” added Kelly.

The Kniss family’s story is a powerful reminder that love, dedication, and a generous spirit can transform lives, even in the most challenging circumstances. Their journey is a beautiful example of how stepping out on faith offering grace can lead to a life filled with «deep belly giggles» and the profound satisfaction of watching children bloom and thrive.

“I think our kids help us grow. They do more for us than we do for them. We’re very different people than we would have been. I guess ultimately, you know, that’s one of the reasons you do it. I say it’s the fast track to spiritual growth,” Kelly offered.