Merrill and Roberta Simon and Family

Press Releases Media September 25, 2009 ENSIGN: CARSON CITY COUPLE TRULY ANGELS IN ADOPTION Washington, D.C. – Senator John Ensign is proud to announce that his nominees for the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s Angels in Adoption Program have been selected to represent the state of Nevada for the extraordinary contributions they have made on behalf of children in need of homes. Roberta and Merrill Simon, of Carson City, have adopted 18 children over the past 30 years—most of whom have been special needs children. “When you come across people like Roberta and Merrill Simon, you see what good there really is in the world,” said Ensign. “Having been adopted by my dad when I was a child, I know what an amazing gift adoption is. For the Simons to open their homes and their hearts to 18 children is beyond extraordinary. There is no better word to describe them than angels.” The Simon’s children range in age from 15 months old to 30 years old. They have adopted children wi...

Photo taken by Cathleen Allison. Nevada Appeal Two years ago, 16-year-old Micah Simon weighed 129 pounds and didn't have the stamina to make it through a shopping trip.So his mother, Roberta, made changes to his diet and worked with Dayton Intermediate School to increase his exercise. Now, he weighs 106 pounds and keeps up with the family on regular outings. “He's like a new kid,” Roberta said. As Micah, who suffers from Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome and low-level cerebral palsy, made the transition to Dayton High School, his mother wanted to ensure he remained active. Vice principal Tim Logan approached River Vista Fitness owner Phil Cowee about allowing Micah to use equipment there. As the conversation evolved, Cowee agreed to donate a recumbent exercise bike to the classroom and allow the students access to the gym. “It started as something for Micah and blossomed into something wonderful that be...

Our beautiful little girl, our angel, Miss LisaMarie, born October 8, 1999. Time has flown by as we have had the joy of watching her grow. She has always thought she was born a princess into this home and had had a very hard time accepting she was a mere commoner :o) She loves sports and really loved taking swimming. My guess it was the crush on the teacher that brought her the furthest. She could have been in the Olympics if he had kept it up. It was wonderful. She is our pride and our joy...our Rose amongst the thrones as he daddy says. Yes, today she turns ten and life is passing us by fast. All to soon she will be a lady. We will have to cherish the days and years ahead. We love you LisaMarie. You are one of God's greatest gifts to our family. All our love, Mom and Dad.