Posted on August 14, 2025
Adoption
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For Scott and Melanie Faimon, the journey to parenthood unfolded in the most unexpected way—through a divine encounter with a stranger at church. What began as a casual conversation soon became the catalyst for a life-changing path: embryo adoption.
Though Scott and Melanie had never actively prevented pregnancy, years passed without conceiving. Just as they began exploring the reasons behind their infertility, God was already planting seeds for something more. One Sunday, while visiting their parents’ small-town church, a woman sitting behind them struck up a conversation. She shared that she had adopted her children—through embryo adoption.
“We had never even heard of embryo adoption,” Melanie said. “But something stirred in us the moment she said it. It was definitely a God moment.”
That five-minute conversation stayed with them. Intrigued and hopeful, they began researching and soon found Lutheran Family Service and the Snowflakes Embryo Adoption Program.
The Faimons scheduled a consultation with Lutheran Family Service, where they were introduced to the embryo adoption process.
“Sue Shields, our caseworker, was so easy to talk to. She gave us so much information, answered every question, and made us feel completely at ease,” Melanie recalled.
Their home study experience was equally smooth and encouraging. “Every step of the way, we felt supported and prepared,” the Faimons shared.
After completing the home study through Lutheran Family Service, they partnered with the Snowflakes Embryo Adoption Program, which helps match adopting families with remaining embryos from another family’s IVF journey. The Faimon’s journey with Snowflakes was amazing. With every communication, they always felt heard and supported.
Then came the email that changed everything: “We have a match!”
“Before I even opened the email, I started tearing up. We had been waiting for this moment for so long,” Melanie said. “As soon as we read through the profile, I knew in my heart—these were the embryos God had chosen for us.”
Snowflakes facilitates semi-open adoptions at minimum. Families exchange profiles and choose each other. While personal identifiers like last names or locations are initially private, the level of ongoing communication is up to each family. Scott and Melanie agreed to annual updates—but something deeper began to unfold.
Melanie, in her early 40s and pregnant for the first time, knew the risks were higher. But every step—embryo thawing, transfer, and pregnancy—was marked by success and peace. They prayed regularly, often turning to the Rosary and blessing meals together as a reminder to invite God into every stage of the process.
“Everything about this journey has confirmed God’s hand,” she said. “The embryo survived the thaw. She implanted. The pregnancy was healthy and smooth. It’s nothing short of a miracle. Our little girl beat so many odds—and we know that’s only because of God’s grace.”
On May 27, 2025, Madelyn Elizabeth Faimon was born—a healthy baby girl, deeply loved and fully cherished.
“Holding her for the first time was overwhelming. Just pure, indescribable love,” Melanie shared. “She is our precious gift from God.”
Madelyn also has two biological siblings—children born to the placing family. What started as a simple agreement to share annual updates has blossomed into a beautiful connection.
“I’ve developed such a strong relationship with the biological mom,” Melanie said. “We now email each other once or twice a week. We share photos of Madelyn, and they send pictures of her siblings. It’s been amazing.” Though the families live far apart, they hope to meet in person one day. “We weren’t sure how much contact we’d want at first,” she said. “But now, we genuinely look forward to our conversations. God knew what we needed better than we did.”
Scott and Melanie are committed to transparency as Madelyn grows.
“She will always know she’s adopted. This story is hers. There are children’s books about embryo adoption, and we plan to use those as conversation starters.”
They trust that God will guide those important discussions over time. To those considering embryo adoption, the Faimons offer this:
“It’s such a unique way to adopt. You get to experience pregnancy, bond with your child, and give frozen embryos—the tiniest lives—a chance to live. It’s been an incredible blessing. We’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.”
Learn more about embryo adoption HERE. Or, if you’re interested in beginning your own journey, fill out our adoption information request form HERE.
Whether you’re just curious or ready to take the first step, we’re here to walk with you—every step of the way.
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