Roanoke Co couple honored as 'Angels in Adoption'

ROANOKE COUNTY (WSLS)- A Roanoke County couple is getting national recognition for making a difference in the lives of children.

Judy and Patrick Wheeler have two biological children but also adopted 11 others. One is from the United States, seven are from China and three are from Vietnam. The Wheeler's will be recognized next month in Washington D.C. by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute.

It honors a select number of people with its Angels in Adoption award for work in adoption or foster care that has an impact. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Roanoke), who the Wheeler's say helped them with any immigration questions they faced, nominated the couple.

"We're never alone," Patrick Wheeler said with a laugh. "There's no chance of us ever getting bored. Just seeing the children around knowing we're making an impact in their lives."

Judy Wheeler said she wants to encourage others to do what they can to make a difference.

"I've tried to encourage other families and try to tell them there's so many other children in this world either here in the United States or in other countries that need someone to love them," Judy Wheeler said. "So many of them don't have anybody."

The couple will go to Washington September 17 to receive their award during a three day event designed to train recipients to use their experience to affect change on behalf of children in need of homes and to celebrate their hard work and dedication.