A blow to the Braleys: Adopted family trying to stay together after mom dies from COVID-19

  • Susan and Dennis Braley adopted seven children and fostered more than 300 in their lives. SUBMITTED PHOTO
    Susan and Dennis Braley adopted seven children and fostered more than 300 in their lives. SUBMITTED PHOTO
  • Above are Susan and Dennis Braley. SUBMITTED PHOTO
    Above are Susan and Dennis Braley. SUBMITTED PHOTO

The harsh realities of COVID-19 hit too close to home for the Braley family in Poinciana.

A mom to seven adopted children passed away Jan. 20 and the father ended up in ICU with the virus. Luckily, he was recently released from the hospital and is recovering at home.

Susan Braley had a heart for children and fostered more than 300 throughout her life.

“She loved them unconditionally,” said her biological daughter, Carianne. “They never did it for financial reasons. They helped kids feel special.”

Susan and her husband, Dennis, adopted seven children over the years and now they range in age from 7-years-old to 22-years-old. A GoFundMe was recently set up to help ease the financial burden for her father. So far, it has raised a little over $25,000 to assist with housing, food, clothes and to keep them together as a family.

“They are very humble. They just did things because it was the right thing to do,” said Carianne. “It humbled my father even more knowing that strangers would help.” Unfortunately, Susan did not have life insurance.

Susan was an amazing mom, Carianne said.

“She taught her kids important things and was very active. She loved a house full of kids.”

Susan was a regional director for Perkins restaurants for many years and Dennis is a retired manager from Give Kids the World. He is also a Navy veteran.

“The GoFundMe will help take stress off my dad,” she said. “He doesn’t want the kids to feel the loss of a parent again.”

According to the Children’s Home Network, close to 1,700 Central Florida children are in need of homes. Physical abuse, neglect or drug and alcohol problems are just some of the reasons a child may end up in foster care.

Carianne is grateful she lives nearby and her son, Thomas, has been living in his grandparent’s home to help with the children.

“God has been our strength. The words spoken about her are special. God is rewarding her in heaven.”

The Braley family was recently featured in People Magazine and on the Today Show’s website which has helped bring more awareness to their situation.

“My dad is pretty emotional right now. He always knew how great she was and now everyone else knows. We are honored that people are seeing her the way we always have,” said Carianne. “The community has been amazing.”