For many families, four boys would be considered a handful. But for Natalie and Rob Pollard, it means there is still room for two more – specifically the 14- and 17-year-old boys they hope to bring home from Bulgaria this summer.
The Pollards, who have three biological children, first began the process to adopt a little boy from Bulgaria in 2015. Yuzbei, now five, is in kindergarten and thriving, Natalie said.
“We found his picture online,” she recalled of Yuzbei. “He wasn’t set to be matched traditionally [with a family] due to his medical issues. He has Type 1 diabetes, which we felt like we could manage. And the second we saw him in a photo, we just knew he was supposed to be ours.”
Less than a year after bringing him home, the Bulgarian adoption service requested Natalie volunteer and help share the stories of older children or those with medical issues which render them unable to be matched with families unless they are selected and requested. And as soon as she set eyes on the photo of the first two boys, biological brothers ages 14 and 17, she had the same feeling.
“I knew they needed to be part of our family, she said.
The Pollards have already visited the brothers in Bulgaria once, and they hope to finalize the adoption and return to bring them home before the end of the summer in time for the beginning of school in the fall.
Currently, the family is finishing an expansion on the house to give each of the boys a room of their own.
To help with the costs associated with the adoption, family friend Samantha Peterson is hosting a Kentucky Derby Party May 6 from 4-7 p.m.
“It’s a fun event for a great cause and great people,” she said.
The derby watch and party will take place at Bay View Farms, 8217 Ooltewah-Georgetown Road.
Ticket prices are $45 for individuals, $80 for couples or $10 for children and will include hors d’oeuvres, dessert, games and more. For more information or to purchase tickets, email pollardfundraiser@hotmail.com or call 619-7486.
Email Gabrielle Chevalier at gchevalier@timesfreepress.com.