Thursday December 21, 2000

Star Adoption

Celebrities are fostering a whole new attitude about adoption. From Hollywood, to the music city, they're taking their musical message to a TV audience of millions and Extra reports many of the stars know first-hand what they're talking about.

Faith Hill explains, "We're here to celebrate those whose lives were changed by adoption. You have to understand this evening means a lot to me because I was adopted by loving parents."

Brothers Drew and Nick from the hot boy band 98 degrees have had their lives touched by adoption too. Nick Says, "This is especially important because to us, Drew and my mother has adopted 4 foster kids."

And Miss USA 2000, Lynette Cole, definitely sees the beauty in adoption. Lynette says, "I was one of them, and I found my home."

Vanessa Williams "Love is love it doesn't matter if it's biological or not."

And Jamie Lee Curtis, an adoptive parent herself, is coming together for this special, "A Home For The Holidays" to sing the praises of adoption as an option. Jamie Lee Curtis says, "I think there are many loving people out there who just don't understand adoption, don't understand how it's done."

In fact, steps are being taken to make adoption an easier process. Most states are just now reacting to a congressional mandate passed three years ago decreasing the amount of time children headed for adoption have to wait in foster care. That means more kids will be able to find a home and bringing more families together, like the Dula's, featured in the special.

Ron Dula says, "The experience of adopting a child is no less miraculous than having a child."

After making twin brothers Will and John a part of their family, Marti and Ron Dula reunited the boys with their older sister, Barette, who had years before made a tremendous sacrifice.

Barette says, "I decided to take myself out of being adopted to give them a better chance."

Now thanks to this loving couple, they're a family again. With a home for the holidays...

Will says, "When I first saw my mom and dad, I was bouncing off the walls and I couldn't help myself cause I was so excited I was going to have a forever family, it was in their eyes and their expression, that's how I knew.