Married teachers Jenna and Tim Riccio from Connecticut are now the proud parents of Nate. He is a former student who faced severe health challenges, including multiple amputations before age 10. Despite his struggles, Nate’s perseverance inspired the Riccios to welcome him into their family.
Nate lost his left arm, lower legs, and half of his right-hand fingers due to complications from sickle cell anemia, a genetic blood disorder. His condition led to severe infections, necessitating the amputations to save his life.
In 2019, Jenna, a first-grade teacher at Walsh Elementary School, visited Nate at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. She learned that Nate had been taken from his biological family and was headed for foster care. Concerned for his well-being, Jenna and her then-boyfriend Tim, the school’s art teacher, decided to foster Nate.
After completing the necessary requirements to become foster parents, Jenna and Tim welcomed Nate into their home in October 2019. Tim moved in shortly after, and the couple quickly felt like a family. Their bind was growing stronger and stronger day by day.
Nate thrived with the Riccios. He served as the ring bearer at Jenna and Tim’s wedding in May 2021, and later welcomed his sister Julien, who adores him. He speaks about their relationship too, and it is just adorable! Nate’s adoption was finalized in November 2022, making him officially part of the Riccio family.
Nate continues to excel in school and has adapted to using prosthetic legs. Though he still requires surgeries and treatments, his health has significantly improved under Jenna and Tim’s care. Jenna and Tim have learned valuable lessons in motherhood, resilience, and perseverance from their remarkable son.