Val and Marilyn Gow

Angels in Adoption 2005 - Minnesota

Selected by Representative James Oberstar

I have seen many families in my congressional district who have made a profound contribution, and this year, I am delighted to recognize Val and Marilyn Gow of Hermantown, Minnesotra. After raising five children, Val and Marilyn Gow made a decision to expand their family through adoption. In 2000, they adopted their first child, Richard, and in 2002, they adopted three additional boys (Ahkiem, Rahiem, and Xavier). At present, the Gow family is in the process of adopting three additional boys (Ali, Jahaad, and Najee). As a result of their personal commitment to adoption, the Gow family had to move to a larger home, and they're planning a major renovation project to accommodate their growing family. Val and Marilyn responded to the call to welcome these children into their family. They utillized Minnesota and national Web sites on the Internet to find these children in foster care, and I commend them for their devotion to these special needs children. Through their advocacy and action, Val and Marilyn Gow have demonstrated that dedicated families can make a difference in promoting adoption.