Leah Spring, a 51-year-old woman from Minnesota, and her 61-year-old husband, Dean Ellingson, have adopted five children with Down syndrome.
Leah, who has a daughter with Down syndrome, adopted five other children with the condition out of charity.
Between 2010 and 2015, the couple welcomed five children into their home.
The couple’s journey of living with special needs children began when Leah accompanied a friend on a trip to Serbia and Bulgaria to pick up the children she was going to adopt.
Leah, a 51-year-old mother, came to Africa to visit a friend and was shocked by the deplorable circumstances she witnessed.
She decided to adopt immediately, inspired by her own daughter, Angela.
After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in 2014 and defeating it, Leah embodies the notion of a courageous woman.
She is a veteran of the Army’s armored branch and a fierce warrior.
Leah’s life as a mother of six teenagers with Down syndrome is incredible in every way.
She wrote on her blog how rewarding it has been to see their adopted children thrive since joining their family.
Her biological daughter, Angela, is now 22 years old and has been in a day training program since May, Leah proudly stated. Angela works at a theater company five days a week.
Leah is delighted that her adopted children, especially Axel, who is about to graduate, have found their own success.
Despite the daily struggles, they have learned that adopting children with special needs has been extremely fulfilling and brought joy to their home.
