Lorenzo, age 17, has been in the local foster care system for more than 12 years and was one of the first children featured on the Progress Energy Heart Gallery of Pinellas and Pasco when in launched in 2006. Lorenzo is just one of those kids who moved everyone he came in contact with. He would show up at “match events” or other special adoption promotion events and all he would say is, “Will this help me find a family?”.

Each time he asked that question, no one had an honest answer. Each time Lorenzo was one day older and one day closer to turning 18… and aging out of care without a family.

In June of 2009, Lorenzo was given the opportunity to throw out the first pitch during a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game. He didn’t really care about being on the mound or getting autographs from the players. His only question was, “Will this help me get adopted?”

A few months ago, during the filming of a segment about Lorenzo for Channel 10’s "Wednesday's Child" at a barber shop in St. Petersburg, a chance meeting occurred with a prospective adoptive parent who happened to be there for a haircut for one of kids. As she spoke with Lorenzo, she discovered that he attended school and was good friends her goddaughter (both are students at Boca Ciega High School). Soon, Lorenzo was visiting and making adoption plans with “Miss Carolyn” (who also happens to be a local foster parent with Eckerd Community Alternatives).

On February 24, 2010, just four short days before Lorenzo turns 18, Lorenzo’s dream of being adopted finally came true. Now, when he graduates from Boca Ciega High in May, he will have one more person in the stands cheering for him as he walks across the stage in his cap and gown….his new mom!