In early April, Adoption Network Cleveland was invited by our friends at Cleveland Play House to be part of a special project connected to the now-playing musical Freak the Mighty, which opened May 22. Their goal was to create a lobby photo gallery of real-life “dynamic duos” across Cleveland – and their ask from us was to nominate a “dynamic duo” from our own community to be represented in the project. Led by Cleveland Play House Associate Director of Education and Community, Marcela Rodriguez-Gonzales, they hoped to represent pairs whose connection reflects trust, joy, and support – three things that are central to the work we do at Adoption Network Cleveland.
After some careful consideration, we decided to nominate Nikki Lewis and Lindsey Keifer, the co-facilitators of our monthly Birth Mothers Support Group, who were then selected by our friends at Cleveland Play House to participate in the project.
Nikki told us how honored she and Lindsey were to receive this nomination, acknowledging that her entire friendship with Lindsey exists solely because of their mutual connection to Adoption Network Cleveland.
“Although we are both birth mothers living in Ohio, our paths likely never would have crossed if ANC had not intentionally connected us. In April 2021, ANC reached out to us separately to ask if we would be interested in helping revive the Birth Mother Support Group and offered to introduce us. We instantly connected over Zoom, and only a few weeks later we launched the Birth Mother Support Group together in May 2021. Ironically, it took until September of that year before we met in person, but now it’s hard to imagine life without one another,” Nikki said.
She shared that over the last five years their friendship has grown through shared experiences, difficult conversations, laughter, advocacy, grief, healing, and support. They’ve leaned on each other through life’s challenges while also creating space for other birth mothers to feel seen and understood. She added that their perspectives can be different, which has strengthened both their friendship and their personal growth. “Being nominated as a ‘dynamic duo’ felt deeply meaningful because it reflected something we’ve always felt grateful for: the power of connection and community,” Nikki said.
On May 7, Nikki and Lindsey met in Cleveland for a professional photo session as part of the project. Nikki said, “If you know us personally, the photoshoot itself may have been the hardest part because neither of us particularly enjoys being in front of a camera, but it ended up being such a fun and memorable experience. Even during the session, we found ourselves talking about ANC, our shared experiences as birth mothers, and the impact that support and connection can have.”
Then on May 24, the Cleveland Play House hosted the unveiling of the exhibit “Mighty Together” just ahead of a matinee showing of Freak the Mighty at the Allen Theatre. Nikki and Lindsey were able to attend, along with their mothers and Nikki’s sister.
“Walking into the lobby and seeing all of the portraits together was incredibly emotional and inspiring. The exhibit featured friendships across generations, racial and economic differences, lifelong friends and newer friendships, and stories shaped by love, grief, and resilience. Every duo represented a reminder that relationships and community matter deeply,” Nikki said.
The text beside their portrait read:
Stronger Together
Lindsey Keifer & Nikki Lewis
Adoption Network
They met through shared experience and turned it into shared purpose. As birth mothers and leaders, they support each other while holding space for others to heal and grow. A friendship that changes lives, including their own.
“We felt incredibly honored to be included,” Nikki said.
Lindsey added, “I was so impressed with the exhibition, the other dynamic duos we met, as well as the play. It was interesting to see how just the theme of the play incorporated so much of what ultimately ANC advocates for: the need to be heard, understood, and to feel safe among a community. Like Nikki, I am forever grateful that ANC was able to bring us together.”
They shared that the musical follows two unlikely friends who help each other navigate life’s challenges while positively impacting those around them, the themes of humor, grief, joy, resilience, and belonging a fitting reflection of the Mighty Together exhibit itself.
Nikki said, “Overall, this experience reminded us how powerful connection can be and how meaningful it is to be truly seen. We are so grateful to Betsie and ANC for thinking of us and for creating the connection that started our friendship in the first place. We hope others will have the opportunity to see the exhibit and experience the show while it runs through June 21.”
Brittany Kent from the Cleveland Play House told us that Freak the Mighty “takes audiences on an unforgettable journey of friendship, bravery, and imagination.” Based on the beloved novel by Rodman Philbrick, this brand-new musical follows Max and Kevin — two outsiders who discover they’re stronger together.
This powerful story is packed with adventure, heart, and the kind of hope that stays with you long after the curtain call.
From the Tony® Award-winning producers of Come From Away and a co-production with Seattle Rep, and directed by Michael Barakiva, this is one of the most exciting new musicals coming to Cleveland.
Be among the first to experience Freak the Mighty live on the Allen Theatre stage May 22 through June 21.
More information and tickets are available at https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/shows/2025/freak-the-mighty
We are grateful to Nikki Lewis, Lindsey Keifer, Marcela Rodriguez-Gonzales, and Brittany Kent for their help in creating this post.
To learn more about the Birth Mothers Support Group, visit adoptionnetwork.org/service-areas/adult-adoptee-birthparents/birthparent-support-group.html
