Big sister spent 5 years fighting to adopt her brother, their magical trip is going viral

In October 2023, Hannah received a life-changing phone call—after five long years of fighting for custody, she was finally able to adopt her half-brother, TJ. The moment he arrived at her doorstep, suitcase in hand, her heart overflowed with emotion. From that day forward, the two have been inseparable, making up for lost time and embracing their new life as a family.

Hannah has been sharing their journey online, and while every post is touching, one video in particular has left people in tears.

A magical surprise for TJ

In February, Hannah and TJ embarked on a special trip to Disney World, a dream come true for the 5-year-old. She shared a clip of their adventure on TikTok, capturing a moment of pure joy and disbelief.

“I adopted my little brother a year ago, who had been in foster care almost his whole life, and now we’re just healing childhood trauma together,” read the overlay caption on the video.

The clip begins with Hannah and TJ sitting in a car, ready to leave for the airport. She turns to him and says, “You and I are going to the airport right now to go to Disney World.”

Hannah and TJ together at last. GoFundMe

Still unsure, TJ skeptically replies, “No, we’re not.” But when Hannah gestures to the packed bags in the backseat and reassures him, his hands fly up to cover his mouth in shock. The realization sets in—he’s really going to Disney World.

The video then follows their adventures at the park. TJ, suitcase in hand and dressed in a Mickey Mouse-themed outfit, beams with excitement. From rollercoasters to merry-go-rounds, every moment is filled with laughter and wide-eyed wonder. At one point, both siblings cheer, “I can’t believe how lucky I am!”

The internet is in tears

The heartwarming footage quickly went viral, touching millions of viewers. On TikTok and Instagram, people flooded the comments with messages of love and support.

"You are an amazing person, you and your little brother deserve a lifetime of happiness and love."

— @s.car.lett

Many people also wanted to help. @kymberlychase asked if TJ had an Amazon wishlist so she could send him gifts. Others reached out to contribute financially to his future.

A bond that defied the odds

Hannah later revealed more about their journey. She and TJ share the same father, but he struggled with addiction and domestic violence. As a result, TJ was placed in foster care straight from the hospital.

For years, Hannah fought for custody, but her appeals were continuously denied. Finally, after five difficult years, a foster family allowed her to adopt him. The first time they reunited, the depth of their bond was clear.

"We were kicking a soccer ball around together and then all of a sudden he stopped, he looked like he was about to cry, then he ran to me and hugged me and said, ‘I missed you.’"

— Hannah

Giving TJ the future he deserves

Hannah has also set up a GoFundMe to help support TJ’s future, ensuring he has access to everything he needs—from therapy to college, summer camps, and sports.

“I adopted my 5-year-old brother after he had spent almost his whole life in foster care. This is for him and whatever he needs to have the brightest future possible,” she wrote.

"I adopted my 5-year-old brother after he had spent almost his whole life in foster care. This is for him and whatever he needs to have the brightest future possible."

— Hannah

So far, the fundraiser has collected over $ 36,318 from over 1,000 donations—a testament to the power of love, community, and second chances.

A story of healing and hope

Hannah and TJ’s story is a reminder that love and determination can overcome even the hardest challenges. Their journey is not just about adoption, it’s about healing, rebuilding a childhood, and proving that family is built on love, not just biology.

If you’d like to support TJ’s future, you can find Hannah’s GoFundMe page here