Samson for the Crooks family — OR
For Jennifer and Mike Crooks, family has never been defined by numbers, biology, or what the world considers typical. It has always been about love, belonging, and the belief that every child deserves a family to call their own.
Jennifer and Mike live in beautiful Bend, Oregon, and are the proud parents of 22 children! Their adoption journey began in 2004, and bringing their sweet Samson home from Eastern Europe will mark their 18th adoption. Ten of their children have medical or developmental special needs, and their family has spent more than two decades embracing the joys, challenges, and extraordinary gifts that come with raising children of all abilities.
Their home is wonderfully busy, filled with laughter, sibling adventures, family traditions, and more love than they ever could have imagined. Over the years, Jennifer and Mike have become experienced advocates for children with complex medical needs, navigating countless appointments, surgeries, therapies, and challenges while celebrating every milestone, big or small. They have learned that a child’s diagnosis never defines who they are or what their life can become. Their commitment to vulnerable children extends far beyond their own family. Jennifer is the founder of Uryadi’s Village, a nonprofit organization in Ethiopia dedicated to providing loving care, education, and opportunities for vulnerable children, including those with disabilities and complex medical needs. Through this work, their family has helped create opportunities for children who might otherwise have very few.
In early 2026, the Crooks family experienced heartbreaking loss when their beloved 10-year-old son, Tegen, passed away. Tegen was an extraordinary little boy with complex medical needs, an unforgettable smile, and a laugh that could light up an entire room. He loved music, traveling, and being part of every family adventure. His remarkable strength and joyful spirit inspired not only his family but an entire community, and Uryadi’s Village now has a home named in his honor for children with complex medical needs. Jennifer and Mike miss their precious boy beyond words, and he will always be an irreplaceable part of their family. But they are learning that grief and joy can coexist, and they can’t help but feel that everything Tegen taught them about love, along with a little guidance from their boy above, somehow led them to Samson.
Jennifer and Mike cannot wait to scoop him into their arms, discover all the little things that make him laugh, and watch him grow surrounded by the love of a family. With their extensive experience parenting children with complex medical needs, they understand the importance of timely medical care and specialized therapies. They are particularly concerned about Samson’s kidney health and extremely limited growth and are eager to bring him home so he can receive the comprehensive care he needs.
Although Jennifer and Mike have traveled the road of adoption many times, each journey is unique, and each child brings something wonderful and new to their family. International adoption also comes with substantial expenses, including agency fees, immigration costs, legal documents, and multiple international trips. They are grateful for every person who chooses to support their journey and help bring Samson one step closer to home.
There is already an entire family waiting to welcome this precious little boy. Siblings ready to love him, parents who cannot wait to hold him, and a home filled with laughter, adventures, and unconditional love. Sweet Samson, you’ve got a whole lot of people waiting to love you!
11/10/2026 — AWAITING USCIS APPROVAL
The Crooks Family has a $5000 matching grant from Reece’s Rainbow! When their FSP reaches $5000, they will receive an additional $5000!
