Joseph G Adopted by CSH Volunteer

“Joey has changed our lives forever,” said Robin. “I can’t imagine life without him.”

Robin Graves enjoyed volunteering at Children’s Specialized Hospital in Toms River. She and her husband, Jim, had recently retired and saw their lives complete” after raising two children, some furry friends, and admiring their four grandchildren. They were excited to see what this new chapter would bring them, not knowing how much more was in store.

During her time volunteering in the Long Term Care Unit, Robin focused on getting to know the children and building relationships with them, which made their time in the long-term care facility much more enjoyable. She found herself gravitating toward one child in particular – six-year-old, adorable Joey.

Joey was a healthy baby when he was born, but suffered a traumatic brain injury at just a few months old. He was permanently removed from his biological family shortly after, which is when Children’s Specialized Hospital in Toms River became his new home.

Robin grew closer to Joey and learned about his story, his condition, and his treatments. She also learned that he would soon be leaving the facility for major surgery, which he would be facing alone in a different hospital nearby.

“When I realized this little boy would be taking on a nine-hour surgery by himself, I was floored,” said Robin. “I knew I could not let him do this alone.”

Robin took the necessary steps to be able to visit Joey after his surgery, and she was finally granted permission from his care team to visit him while in recovery.

“As soon as I saw this little boy in that big hospital bed, I promised him I would never leave him to face something like this alone again.”

Robin’s husband, Jim, soon met the boy his wife “fell in love with” and could not help but have his heart stolen, too.

Soon after his recovery and return to Children’s Specialized Hospital, Robin stepped away from her role as a volunteer and stepped in as Joey’s daily visitor. She received permission to accompany him to medical appointments and even underwent special training to administer his medication and tend to his needs.

The first thought of adoption came from Joey’s teacher, who mentioned it to Robin as their relationship grew stronger. Robin immediately turned the topic down, saying she was “too old” to take on something of that nature. However, over the next two years, Robin learned that her love for Joey overcame any age barrier; and in February 2019, Jim and Robin legally adopted Joey in front of a packed courtroom.

Joey cannot live full-time with his new family because of his medical needs, but he happily remains at Children’s Specialized Hospital where he is visited every day. Robin spends most days with their family’s newest addition, and Jim never misses a night to tuck Joey in and tell him he is loved.

“Joey has changed our lives forever,” said Robin. “I can’t imagine life without him.”

Joseph G Adopted by CSH Volunteer

“Joey has changed our lives forever,” said Robin. “I can’t imagine life without him.”

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“Joey has changed our lives forever,” said Robin. “I can’t imagine life without him.”