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There has been a heart warming adoption reunion story unfolding the last few days near me in O’Fallon, Illinois.
A teen named Michael Westfall, born to a poor family in far away Peru, and later placed for adoption, has been able to reunite with his birthmother this week on U.S. soil. Michael was adopted by Lise Westfall as an infant, and had a happy childhood as part of her family here, but now as Michael finds himself in a battle for his life, he wanted both his mothers by his side.
Michael is fighting for his life in a battle against cancer. The cancer, which he still receives radiation and experimental treatments for, has recently spread from his legs to his lungs. When the Make A Wish Foundation heard about Michael they wanted to grant his wish, and he knew what he wanted to request right away. He wanted to have both his mothers by his side.
“I did not want to be selfish when I made this wish,” Westfall said. “I wanted to make a wish so it would make everyone happy, not just myself but the people around me, the people I love.”
Recently the Make A Wish Foundation, along with Illinois senator Dick Durbin, pulled a ton of political strings in order to fly Michael’s birthfamily here to the U.S. to see and spend time with him. The evening news showed airport footage of the reunion between Michael, his birthmother and adoptive mom on Sunday. Michael shared that he hoped he would be able to take his family to a Cardinal ball game, the zoo, and Meremac Caverns, among other things while they are here. He wants to show them his life and the world that they entrusted him to.
This story updated on the news this evening, sharing how a local ten year old heard of the story and was so moved he decided to give his tickets to a Cardinal game at Busch Stadium to Michael and his family to enjoy. The report showed the family at the game, all smiles and having a great time.
I hope that people will place Michael and both of his mothers in their hearts and prayers as he continues his fight with cancer. Anyone who may be interested in helping the families in any way can contact the KSDK station directly.
awesome!!