July 2023 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

Family Perspective

Changing the world one adoption at a time! Meet the Moser Family

BY DEBORAH RILEY PHOTOS BY JCuret Photography

“Adoption won’t change the world, but for that child, their world will change.” -Unknown

The Mosers of Silver Lake, OH are a family who are like few others. They have opened their hearts and their home through adoption not once, not twice, but five times! Of those five adoptions, three of them have been children with disabilities.

18-year-old Caleb is one of those children. Caleb was adopted by the Mosers after experiencing severe abuse by his former family. Unfortunately, due to the abuse he endured, he is unable to walk or speak. However, thanks to the love of his family and the support of his staff and nurses, he is living his best life! Caleb uses a wheelchair to get around, and even though he is non-verbal, he is great at making his needs known when he wants something. He loves Megan Trainor (he listens to her daily) and Barney is his favorite show. Caleb loves to be outdoors and to go on walks around the village. He also enjoys going to his nephew’s baseball games and swimming when he can!

Dane, who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, was adopted by the Moser family when he was 12-years-old. Dane was a very special guy who was so fun and had a great sense of humor. He loved everyone and loved to have everyone’s attention! Dane passed away at the age of 23, but not before becoming the inspiration for The Dane Foundation. The Dane Foundation was founded 17 years ago by Lowery Lockard and Dane’s mother, Patty Moser. Lowery has been a huge inspiration with Patty’s tenacity to do what is right and advocate for her kids relentlessly. The foundation helps to provide quality of life items to individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. The Dane Foundation also hosts the annual Ms Wheelchair USA pageant, which is held in Cuyahoga Falls, OH every July. Ladies from all over the country come to compete for this title. Dane’s legacy continues to help change the lives of others like him through the foundation.

Malachi was adopted by the Mosers at the age of 2 and had severe disabilities due to a genetic condition which made him completely dependent for all of his daily needs. His mother Patty describes Malachi as being ornery and adorable. Patty says, “Malachai changed everyone’s world with his precious smile and his one word which he could speak, which was‘hi’.” Malachai passed away at the age of 6.

Rounding out the Mosers are Emily, Matthew, and Adam. Emily and Matthew are birth siblings who were adopted at ages 4 and 3. According to Patty, they had experienced a lot in the first few years of their life and were challenging when they were young due to some bonding and attachment issues. These days both Emily and Matthew are flourishing and have become wonderful adults with beautiful families. Finally, there is

“Adoption won’t change the world, but for that child, their world will change.” -Unknown-

Adam, Patty’s only birth child. Adam was an only child until 14-years-old when Dane was adopted. Adam and Dane were very close, as they were just two years apart in age when Dane was adopted. They were best friends; Dane even served as “Best Man” at Adam’s wedding. Emily, Matthew, and Adam have always been so amazing with their siblings who have special needs and never appeared left out or to feel slighted because of time spent caring for their other siblings.

Patty credits her friends Mike and Peggy Trace with being instrumental in adopting Dane as they were foster parents themselves to a young man with disabilities. She says that she will always be grateful for their love and direction. Patty says, “Adopting a child with disabilities and giving them a forever family is one of the greatest blessings/sacrifices you can make. I would never sugarcoat the sacrifices that must be made. It is a labor of love and purpose. Approaching a decision to adopt with eyes wide open to the challenges ahead is important. However, as we know, you can never plan for all the twists and turns that will happen. Embrace the time you have with them and know that you make a huge difference, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the moment. People see you. People are touched by your life. The ripple effect is endless.”

Patty wants people to know that there is a network for people out there. She says to research what is available to you and where your support system comes from. The Dane Foundation was developed to help families with special needs. Patty knows it can sometimes be overwhelming and feel like a lonely world. She emphasizes, don’t hesitate to ask for help!

To learn more about the The Dane Foundation and resources available, please visit: www. thedanefoundation.org.

To learn more about Ms Wheelchair USA, please visit: www. mswheelchairusa.org.