Michele Danielson is one of the most dedicated mothers I know. When many parents (biological or adoptive) would have thrown in the towel, she persevered. As a social worker, she inspires me to work harder supporting kids with special needs and to confront obstacles head on rather then seeing them as a sign of failure. I'm sure many times, as I did, she felt like things are never going to get better, with each turn presenting new challenges. She only pushed on and worked harder and never gave up. If you try hard enough you will soon realize that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and this is what Michele's and Marcus's relationship is all about. It does pay off and if you can take yourself out of a challenging situation just long enough to get grounded again, you too can get there. She is using her journey to help others, and parents and children are going to be better off because of that.
Andrew Carini, MSW
School Social Worker-GTES
Michele has been a dear and close friend for over 20 years. In that time I have watched her grow as a person and even more importantly as a parent. The day she took Marcus as her son, she began a journey that would prove to be the hardest journey she would ever chose to stay on. When other adoptive parents would have given up, Michele stood firm and continued to fight for her son. She walked a long hard road and has seen many battles and has fought hard. Through her perseverance and and steadfastness, and clinging to the hope and faith she has in God, she has watched her son become the young man he is today. She has taught me, a mother of 4 children, quite a lot about patience, consistency and going above and beyond as a parent. She knows what parents go through with children with behavior problems and she knows how to seek out help and obtain that help. She understands those dark days a parent goes through and she also has seen how the right help and resources can bring victories and healing in these hurting children and families.
Melissa Kelly, Youth Co-pastor
Michele took a child that in society's eyes had very little potential of amounting to anything at all. Through her love for Marcus, her faith and her unending and tenacious pursuit of help and resources, Marcus is now a wonderful young man with a bright future ahead of him. I was with her throughout her trials with Marcus and honestly believe that I would have given up on him, but not Michele no way no how. She's been there, done that and has the battle scars to prove it.
"Uncle" Adam Tobias
Children's Pastor Celebration Church Tampa
Interim Director Associate Director I/S Health USF
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