Dear Mr. Williams,

My sons Brian and Joseph and their brother Amaury were featured on Wednesday's Child and Jordan's specials a few times in the ten plus years they were in state care. I have noted two Wednesday's Child episodes below. I have also attached pictures of them from back then (a snapshot from the MARE website as they are still the current MARE header on each page) and two recent photos: one from this summer, and the other from National Adoption Day on November 17, 2006, when Joey's adoption was finally legalized. Joey is the middle child and is now 16. I adopted Brian November 18, 2005, and he is now 14. Amaury, the oldest, is now 18 years old and has chosen to stay in the foster care system as he is very attached to his foster family. He spends holidays with us and we get the boys together as much as possible. We are excited as he will spend Christmas with us this year and stay with us through the new year.

Joey initially did not want to be adopted, but once he spent more time with Brian and me, he made the decision and moved in with us permanently on the day Brian was adopted. I am a 34 year old woman, and active teacher at a boarding school in Western Massachusetts. I adopted my boys as a single parent, so as you can imagine that there is never a dull moment in the Baez Panzeri household! Joey and Brian are three season athletes and both averaged a "B" on their latest report cards. They still receive services at school for special educational needs.

Brian Baez took the name Brian Vincenzo Baez Panzeri as his legal name (Panzeri is my maiden name-I am divorced). Joseph Baez took the name Joseph Matteo Baez as his legal name. I took THEIR last name, Baez, so I am Lisa Baez Panzeri

I feel our family is a huge sucess story. We were able to bring Joey into our home just as he was starting to make unwise choices in his foster home. He is on the right track now and far too busy to get in trouble! Brian came into my life when he was 12, just young enough to still want to be affectionate and nurtured. Although they pick on each other as all siblings do, I feel fortunate that they are able to at least grow up together through their teenage years. They lived in separate foster homes for eight years.

I also feel fortunate to be active in helping Amaury, the oldest, as he becomes a young man and looks beyond high school. He knows that he always has a home with us.

My warmest thanks to you, Jack. My children have fond memories of their short times with you at an age where things weren't always so good for them. I also thank MARE for working so hard to find my children a loving home for all those years. I am so happy that they are in MY home! We hope to be able to see you at an event this year.

Thanks again and warmest wishes this holiday season,

Lisa Baez Panzeri, Brian Baez Panzeri, and Joey Baez