In a heartwarming story that has captured the attention of many, Dana Perino, former White House Press Secretary and current Fox News commentator, along with her husband, Peter McMahon, have welcomed a new member into their family. This new addition is an 8-year-old boy, the sole survivor of his family after a historic flood ravaged Kerr County, Texas, on July 4, 2025. The decision to adopt the boy not only marks the first time Dana and Peter have become parents but also serves as a testament to their compassion and commitment to giving hope to a young life that seemed to have lost everything.

The Devastating Flood in Kerr County

Kerr County, located in Texas Hill Country, experienced one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history during the Independence Day weekend of 2025. A catastrophic flash flood, triggered by heavy rainfall from the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry, caused the Guadalupe River to rise over 20 feet in just two hours. According to reports from The New York Times and ABC News, at least 111 people lost their lives across Texas, with Kerr County suffering the heaviest toll, reporting 96 fatalities, including 36 children. Over 161 individuals remain missing in the county, and search and rescue efforts continue amidst challenging weather conditions.

Amid the heartbreaking stories, one case stood out: that of an 8-year-old boy, referred to here as Ethan (name changed to protect his identity), who lost his entire family in the flood. Ethan was found clinging to a tree branch, approximately 15 miles from his family’s campsite, after being swept away by the raging waters. He was the only survivor of his family of six, which included his parents, two siblings, and a cousin, all of whom remain missing or have been confirmed deceased.

Meeting Ethan

Dana Perino, known for her compassionate nature and dedication to community issues, traveled to Kerr County shortly after hearing about the disaster. As part of her involvement in relief and volunteer efforts, Dana joined others at a reunification center in Kerrville, where families searched for missing loved ones. It was here that she first met Ethan.

The boy, though rescued, was in a state of shock and grief. Caretakers at the center noted that Ethan barely spoke, often sitting silently by a window, as if waiting for his family to return. Dana, drawing on her experience handling crises, approached Ethan gently. She sat with him, sharing lighthearted stories about her dog, Jasper, and slowly, Ethan began to open up.

In a later interview with Fox News, Dana shared, “When I looked into Ethan’s eyes, I saw an indescribable pain, but also a tiny spark of hope. I knew I couldn’t undo what had happened, but I wanted to do something to give this boy a brighter future.”

The Decision to Adopt

After visiting Ethan daily at the center, Dana and her husband, Peter McMahon, began discussing the possibility of adopting him. This was not a decision made lightly. The couple led busy lives, with Dana’s demanding schedule at Fox News and Peter’s international business commitments. They had never had children, and taking on the responsibility of parenting a child who had experienced profound trauma was a significant challenge.

Yet, Dana felt a deep connection with Ethan. She recognized that he needed a stable, loving home where he could heal and rediscover joy. After consulting with psychologists and legal experts, Dana and Peter decided to pursue adoption. They committed to caring for Ethan at least until he turned 18, with the hope of providing him a nurturing environment to grow and thrive.

According to Texas Law Help, the adoption process in Texas involves multiple steps, including background checks, home environment assessments, and counseling sessions for both the child and prospective parents. Dana and Peter worked closely with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to ensure all requirements were met. They also enrolled in post-adoption support programs, including trauma-informed therapy and specialized care services, to help Ethan navigate his emotional wounds.

A New Home for Ethan

On a warm day in early August 2025, Ethan officially moved into Dana and Peter’s home in Washington, D.C. Their house, once a quiet retreat for the couple and their dog Jasper, now buzzed with new energy—the sound of Ethan’s laughter as he played with Jasper, and the small, meaningful conversations between him and Dana about his interests, like baseball and science fiction books.

Dana shared glimpses of this new chapter on social media, emphasizing the importance of supporting children in need. “Peter and I never imagined becoming parents this way, but Ethan has brought us a joy we didn’t know was possible. He’s a gift, and we’ll do everything to help him shine,” she wrote.

The response from the public was overwhelmingly positive. Fans and viewers of Dana’s show, The Five, sent messages of congratulations and admiration for her decision. Several Texas-based charities, such as the Kerr County Relief Fund, invited Dana to serve as an ambassador to raise awareness about flood victims and the ongoing need for support.

Challenges and Hope

Adopting Ethan has not been without its challenges. Psychologists working with Ethan have indicated that it may take years for him to process the loss of his family. Nightmares and survivor’s guilt are daily struggles for the young boy. Dana and Peter have attended training on trauma-informed parenting and work closely with therapists to support Ethan’s healing journey.

Additionally, Dana has had to balance her demanding career with her new role as a mother. She admits there are days when she feels overwhelmed, but Ethan’s smiles and the moments when he calls her “Mom” make every effort worthwhile.

Looking to the future, Dana hopes Ethan will discover his passions and purpose. She has plans to enroll him in extracurricular activities, from summer camps to art classes, to help him explore his interests. “We don’t just want to raise Ethan; we want to help him become a strong, confident, and compassionate person,” Dana said in a recent interview.

Conclusion

The story of Dana Perino, Peter McMahon, and Ethan is a powerful reminder of the impact of compassion and the ability to change a life. In the wake of the tragic flood in Kerr County, Dana’s actions have not only given Ethan hope but also inspired millions across the country. As Ethan begins a new chapter with his loving adoptive family, his story stands as proof that even in the darkest moments, the light of human kindness can shine through.