The Shockey's Story & Video

Trina and Michael Shockey’s journey is one of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of adoption. When their son, Carter, arrived prematurely at 33 weeks, it marked the beginning of a challenging yet ultimately heartwarming path for their family. Trina’s subsequent diagnosis of anti-phospholipid syndrome complicated their dreams of expanding their family naturally, leading them to face the difficult reality that traditional methods might not be possible.

Trina candidly shares, “I was just really grateful that Carter was okay and we were okay. But we’d planned on two or three. It was hard to kind of think, ‘okay, well my body can’t sustain this to grow our family.’ It was a hard thing to hear for us.”


However, hope was not lost. The Shockeys turned their attention to adoption, embarking on a journey filled with anticipation, challenges, and ultimately, immense joy.

Their search led them to Catholic Charities, where they discovered not only an affordable pathway to adoptive parenthood but also a compassionate community dedicated to supporting families like theirs.



After several years of waiting, the pivotal moment arrived when they received the life-changing call from adoption specialist Peggy Crippen, announcing their selection by a birth mother. Two weeks of intense preparation followed, culminating in the joyous arrival of their son, Oscar. His presence in their lives symbolizes not just a new chapter but a testament to unwavering love and determination.

“We actually brought Oscar home on Carter’s birthday,” they share. “They were born one day apart. So it’s very much a God thing.”

Your impact through Catholic Charities didn’t stop there. Your generosity extended a helping hand to the birth mother, ensuring her transition to a new chapter was supported with compassion and practical assistance. Trina and Michael emphasize, “Catholic Charities doesn’t just say goodbye after the papers are signed. They provide ongoing support and counseling to birth mothers.”

Today, Oscar’s laughter fills the Shockey household, a poignant reminder of the power of love, resilience, and community support. His bond with older brother Carter speaks volumes about the strength of families united in love and bolstered by the kindness of organizations like Catholic Charities.




Trina and Michael express their gratitude, stating, “No matter what the backstory is for the birth mom, this is a great opportunity for her to provide her child a good home. In our situation, Oscar’s going to have a great opportunity to grow up. If Catholic Charities wasn’t here, that wouldn’t have happened.”

Your continued support makes stories like these possible. Thank you for making dreams like the Shockeys’ a beautiful reality. •