Woman Gets Call About Sister’s Twins, She Knows She Needs To Save Them

A TikTok clip has shared the incredible journey of a woman who answered a desperate call about her sister’s twins, ultimately embarking on a long path to adopt them.

The video chronicles the woman, Cassey Ashby, and her partner’s arduous process detailing the hours of training and home studies needed to become the twins’ foster, and eventually adoptive, parents.

Ashby, 36, told Newsweek about the journey and how she is preparing for her sudden journey into early childhood parenting.

“In November 2022, I received a call from Child Protective Services (CPS) letting me know that my twin nephews had been placed into foster care,” Ashby said. The decision to step in meant navigating a complex system.

“In Oklahoma, even family members must become fully certified foster parents,” she added. “Our entire world flipped overnight. We went from navigating teenage life to suddenly filling our home with baby gear.”

The transition to caring for twins was a shock compounded by the system itself: “Kinship care has the same requirements as foster care: certification, home studies and weekly visits from caseworkers.”

A Long Process, a Huge Reward

Citing a constant turnover of caseworkers, court delays and the general atmosphere of uncertainty around the adoptive process, Ashby said the process was fraught—and would only become more complex with new health diagnoses.

“At around 6 months old, Benjamin was diagnosed with cerebral palsy,” Ashby said. “I had no prior knowledge of cerebral palsy, and even now, I spend endless hours researching so I can provide him the best care. He began early intervention and therapy—physical, occupational and speech—and, at one point, we were doing five therapy sessions a week while still navigating the foster system. Our home filled with medical equipment.”

Another surprising diagnosis followed for the second twin, as well. At around 18 months to 2 years old, Braxton was diagnosed with autism. Both boys were part of a study that monitored developmental delays, so the couple were able to catch it early.

After two years immersed in the foster care system and health challenges, the long-awaited adoption day finally arrived.

“We had dealt with so many delays and last-minute filings, so when our court date finally came on January 19, 2025—just one week after it was confirmed—it felt like the weight of the world had lifted,” Ashby said. “They were finally ours. No one could take them.”

Through sharing her story, Ashby added that she hopes to offer solidarity to others.

“What I hope people take away from our story is that they are not alone,” she said. “Since sharing our journey online, I’ve realized just how many people are raising relatives. There’s also a huge community of parents navigating special needs who truly understand. You are not alone in this journey … that’s what I want others to know.”