Fred Makowecki had the exciting opportunity to spend the weekend with the birth family of his daughter Morgan Jayne.
Morgan passed away in 2006. Fred Makowecki adopted Morgan as an infant, in then a rare private adoption. Over the weekend, Makowecki and his family were able to spend time with Morgan’s birth family as they visited the Valley.
“It was truly a milestone in my life. I feel I have new family...or found family I never really knew I had,” said Makowecki via Facebook.
Morgan's birth family were in Drumheller last Saturday and Sunday as part of a road trip, and Fred says he is honoured they came to visit. They had not seen each other since 1987 when Morgan was adopted.
Over the years, they have been in contact through the mail and later through Facebook.
"It was never a secret to my daughter she was adopted, she always knew she had a family and then a birth family," said Makowecki.
Over the weekend they were able to see Drumheller for the first time.
Morgan Jayne’s name has gone on to symbolize much more for residents of Drumheller and many parts of the world. Fred established the Morgan Jayne Project. This is to provide infant formula to babies at risk of being exposed to AIDS through the transmission of their mother’s breast milk.
The Morgan Jayne Project is administered through Familias Saludables, established by Valerie Nelson, who almost three decades ago, helped facilitate Morgan’s adoption.
In less than a decade, the Morgan Jayne Project has saved hundreds of children, to the point that today, supporters have helped establish the Charmont Academy, a school to provide quality education for these same kids.
Makowecki says Morgan’s birth family is well aware of the legacy created in her name, and have shown support.