Each year, Adoption Network Cleveland honors individuals who have created meaningful impact through their advocacy, leadership, and commitment to improving the experiences of those connected to adoption. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the Adoption, Child Welfare, or DNA Discovery fields in Ohio, demonstrated through their accomplishments, their dedication, and their efforts to build stronger, more informed communities.
This year, we are honored to recognize Sue and Murray Van Epp as our 2025 Advocates of the Year.
Sue and Murray first became involved with Adoption Network Cleveland in the early 1990s as birth parents seeking connection, understanding, and community on their family’s adoption journey. Through attending General Discussion Meetings, they found a place where they could openly share their experiences, learn from others, and feel supported. Adoption Network Cleveland played a key role in facilitating the search for their relinquished daughter and supporting their reunion—an experience that strengthened their bond with the organization and set the stage for more than three decades of relationship, advocacy, and giving.
When Murray retired, the couple chose to give back to the community that had given them so much. Over the last 20 years, they have quietly and generously made a difference through philanthropy, contributing over $1 million across the causes closest to their hearts. Among their most meaningful commitments has been their steadfast support of Adoption Network Cleveland, where their belief in our mission has been evident in every step they have taken.
Sue and Murray have been pioneers in philanthropic giving to Adoption Network Cleveland. They were the first donors to notify us of a bequest in their will, the first to make an IRA roll-over gift, and they established a Donor Advised Fund that has benefited the organization for many years and will continue to do so in perpetuity. Most recently, they created a Charitable Gift Annuity, solidifying their legacy and long-term commitment to our mission. At every step, they have encouraged us to share their giving story—not for recognition, but to inspire others who want to make a lasting impact.
Their leadership extends well beyond their financial generosity. Sue and Murray meet annually with our leadership to stay informed, offer support, and help identify emerging needs. In November 2024, during our advocacy efforts to promote a legislative solution to amend Original Birth Certificates, they immediately stepped forward to lend their personal story. Because Murray is not listed on their daughter Leanne’s Original Birth Certificate, the issue was deeply personal to them. They joined a conversation with a potential legislative sponsor and shared their experience openly, demonstrating once again their willingness to use their voice to help create meaningful change.
Sue and Murray exemplify what it means to be mission-aligned advocates—individuals who give not only resources, but also heart, insight, and action. Their long-standing commitment, thoughtful legacy planning, and willingness to share their personal impact story have strengthened our advocacy efforts, supported our programs, and expanded what is possible for families across Ohio. Their contributions have included speaking to our Board of Directors, participating in video testimonials, and engaging directly with state legislators, always with the goal of improving the systems that affect adoptees and their families.
We are deeply grateful for their generosity, their partnership, and the unwavering belief in community that they bring to everything they do. Sue and Murray are not able to be with us in person this year—as they take the opportunity to spend the winter months in Arizona, a tradition they share with their daughter Leanne and her family—but they graciously recorded a message to share with our community. Watch the video here.
Thank you, Sue and Murray, and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition as our 2025 Advocates of the Year!
