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Thune Selects Family for 2018 Angels in Adoption Award

“The Buchholz family is an inspiration to others, not only through their advocacy in adoption, but also in their volunteer work for the community.”

September 5, 2018

WASHINGTON — 

U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today announced his selection of Jay and Sheri Buchholz of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and their family for the 2018 Angels in Adoption Award that is presented by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, of which Thune is a member. This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of men and women across the country who have chosen to adopt or foster children in need and those who inspire others to do so.

“Jay and Sheri have given the gift of family to their adopted and foster children,” said Thune. “The Buchholz family is an inspiration to others, not only through their advocacy in adoption, but also in their volunteer work for the community. I am honored to nominate them for this award.”

Shortly after Jay and Sheri were married, they decided they wanted to start a family. After struggling with infertility, they felt God was calling them to pursue adoption. Six months into the adoption process, they were chosen by birthparents that were expecting a little girl. They had time to develop a relationship with the couple, and Sheri was able to be in the delivery room when Zoe entered the world.

They have since adopted their daughter, Keely, and son, Asher, both when they were infants. Asher was born in California and was diagnosed at birth with Down Syndrome and a major heart defect that later required open heart surgery. All three adoptions remain open, which means each birth family receives email updates, visits, and yearly photo books.

In March 2018, Jay and Sheri became licensed foster parents for the South Dakota Department of Social Services. Four days after becoming licensed, they were placed with a two-year-old boy and his 13-month-old brother, who are still currently in their care.

Jay and Sheri are involved with their church, Oak Hills Baptist in Sioux Falls. Both serve on the Diaconate and in children’s ministry, and Jay serves as a sound board technician. Jay works as a key account executive at Sioux Valley Energy, and Sheri works part time as a RN for Avera. She also sits on the board at Bethany Christian Services and is active in adoption and Down Syndrome advocacy at the local level. The family enjoys spending time together gardening, camping, and biking. 

“We are deeply honored to be nominated by Sen. Thune,” said Jay and Sheri Buchholz. “Our children have been such a blessing and inspiration. We have felt God’s leading and faithfulness through our entire adoption and foster care journey. Open adoption has allowed our children to know and own their story. It has also allowed us to not only impact their lives but the lives of their birth families, and they have become extended family. We hope to encourage and inspire others to open their hearts and homes to children through adoption and foster care.”

The Buchholz family will be invited to join Angels in Adoption nominees from around the country at an awards banquet sponsored by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute in Washington, D.C., later this month.