A Dunedin family is fighting to save a young boy they adopted from Congo.
The bond between a parent and child is precious, it's beautiful, and it’s indescribable. That's why Chris and Andrea Stewart are in the fight of their lives.
"I'm not ready to back down," said Andrea Stewart. "We're not rolling over, we're not giving up, he's our son and we will fight for his life."
The Stewart's adopted a boy from Congo earlier this year. Before they could bring him home, the Congolese government put adoptions on hold.
Now their son Cruz is stuck half way across the world.
"It made me crippled with pain that I have a child on another continent," said Andrea Stewart. "An ocean away and I can't parent, I can't be there for him during those simple things."
To make matters worse, Cruz needs serious medical attention.
"Now we've come to find out he has a major heart and lung malformation, possibly needs transplant, but definitely at the simplest needs life changing surgeries for future," said Andrea Stewart.
The Stewarts have three biological children of their own but feel called to adopt kids like Cruz, and move there if that's what it takes.
"It's just stretching our relationship," Stewart said. "Our children's outlook just on life, on school, on different things, and without him even being here, how it’s affecting our lives is just amazing."
Chris and Andrea cherish the moments they've spent with Cruz in Congo.
They keep photos and videos close by, and they yearn for the day he's with them permanently at their home in Dunedin.
The Stewarts are working with Senator Marco Rubio and Congressman David Jolly.
Congressman Jolly is speaking with the U.S. Embassador to Congo on Monday.
At the very least, the Stewarts would like Cruz to come to the United States on a medical visa.