Salt Lake City Family Raises Money to Adopt Sick Child from Bulgaria

By Devon Dolan

KSL-TV, NBC-affiliated television station in Salt Lake City, Utah

One year ago Andy and Lindsay Thomas and their three kids found 6-year-old Gavin through an adoption agency. He lives in an orphanage in Bulgaria and is in desperate need of medical care. He has stage four renal failure.

"We have appointments set up for him as soon as we get home." Lindsay said.

But even before expensive medical costs, the adoption alone cost USD 28,000, which the Thomas's didn't have up front.

Through a story with KSL last July, and other advertising, complete strangers started donating money and they were able to raise USD 13,000 towards the adoption.

"We couldn't have done it without that money," Lindsay said.

They have never even spoken to Gavin before, but Andy and Lindsay Thomas flew to Bulgaria.

"He's now officially our child. We just have to go and make the trip and bring him home," Lindsay said.

The couple left Thursday morning to meet their son for the very first time.

"She's going to cry and I'm going to be videotaping her crying," Andy said.

Their three kids will wait at home for their new brother.

"This is his bed. This is my bed," said Bradley Thomas. "We are going to be sharing."

Presents from Santa and a pillow with his new last name will also be there for his welcome home. The Thomas's wait in anticipation to finally hold the newest member of their family.

The family will be back in Salt Lake with Gavin on the 12th.

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