Question - 

 Michael, why is helping foster children so important to you?  

Answer -   

    I will give you the accelerated broken down version lol.   Not many know this about me because it was always hard for me to accept my truth.  I was born into this world being the only one of us twins at birth to survive.  In my very beginnings of life, the unfairness it can bring had already found me.  This was my strike one.  I was born into a very emotionally broken, unstable, alcoholic, abusive and neglectful home.  This was my strike two.  Myself and my 3 other siblings were taken from the home by the state of Indiana, put into foster homes and placed for adoption in the early 80's.  The 2 older siblings (Sister 6 yo and Brother 8 yo) went to other homes on their own paths.  My little baby brother and I stayed together.  

    Though this sounds like a strike three, I (we) had just hit a HOME RUN!  Without knowing it, our lives had just completely turned around.  Not long after foster care placement, walked in a God loving, married couple, excited to adopt their new son only to find out there were 2 of us.  Without hesitation, the couple said yes and in that moment, we were given a chance at life.  A life full of love, compassion, empathy, financial stability and security.  Without people like my parents and my forever family, I would not be the man I have turned out to be.  I can say this with absolute 100% certainty.  

    I have accomplished some pretty cool things in my life and continue to push the limit as often as I can.  I am a multiple service military Veteran.  I have a beautiful wife, and four children.  I am currently in college, finishing up my Psychology degree and getting ready to work towards a Biblical Theology degree.  I am working at attaining my private pilot license and currently in training to join my expedition group April 7, 2023 to attempt a summit on Mt. Everest, just to name a few.   

    There are so many children throughout the state of Indiana waiting to find their forever family to call their own and are just wanting to have a sense of belonging.  Whatever I can do to help the organizations that help children like I used to be,  I am on board, full steam ahead.  Whether it be through material donations, financial help or finding forever families.    

"When you accept your truth,

 Who you are deep in your soul, 

 Only then can you be, 

 Who you are meant to be." 

         - Michael Prage