Becoming a parent is one of life’s greatest blessings. Every mother and father hopes to provide safety, love, and care for their child. That’s why it’s so devastating to hear stories of babies suffering from abuse or neglect. Sadly, it happens far too often.

But in the darkest of moments, there are also incredible stories of hope—stories where love triumphs over cruelty. This is one of those stories.

A Baby in Crisis

When foster parents LeAnne and Eric received a call from child services in 2017, they had no idea their lives were about to change forever. A two-month-old baby boy, severely underweight and struggling to survive, needed urgent care. His biological parents had neglected him, often choosing sleep or work over feeding their child.

Doctors warned that if he didn’t receive love and nourishment soon, he might not survive.

When LeAnne and Eric first held him, they were heartbroken. His tiny body weighed just over 7 pounds, his skin was pale, and his frail frame revealed a life of suffering no newborn should endure. But in that moment, they knew—they would fight for him.

The Difficult Road Ahead

The baby, later named Easton Matthew, was diagnosed with Failure to Thrive and later Shaken Baby Syndrome. Medical tests revealed signs of trauma, including bleeding in the brain. His father had admitted to shaking him when he wouldn’t stop crying.

The neglect and abuse left Easton with lifelong challenges. He was eventually diagnosed with hypotonic cerebral palsy, dyspraxia, and dysphagia, conditions that affect his mobility, speech, and ability to eat. Despite these hurdles, Easton continued to fight for his life, surrounded by the constant care and love of his foster parents.

Love That Heals

LeAnne and Eric poured their hearts into caring for Easton. They fed him every two hours, wrapped him in love, and brought him to countless therapies and medical appointments. Slowly, he gained strength. With the help of dedicated doctors and therapists, he began making progress many thought was impossible.

By the age of two and a half, Easton was walking with braces. Though his journey has been filled with hospital stays and therapy sessions, his smile and determination inspire everyone who meets him.

A Forever Family

After years of court hearings, tears, and prayers, the decision was finally made. Just before Thanksgiving, and a few days shy of Easton’s third birthday, the court granted permanent custody to LeAnne and Eric.

Easton officially became Easton Matthew Stadler, the beloved fifth child of the Stadler family.

LeAnne shared, “Many say he is blessed to have us, but we believe we are the ones truly blessed to have him. Easton has taught us the true meaning of resilience, love, and faith.”

A Story of Hope

Easton’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. While he may face lifelong challenges, he is surrounded by unconditional love—a love that continues to help him thrive.

This story is a reminder that while cruelty exists in the world, so does extraordinary kindness. Foster families like LeAnne and Eric prove that love can heal even the deepest wounds.