# @theoregonian on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DRaqh-vDLcl
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/37256743-theoregonian-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/1adb736903.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-11-24T01:00:16.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** The Oregonian (@theoregonian) — https://gondola.cc/theoregonian

## Caption

Tia Topley, pictured, doesn’t remember much about the day two decades ago when Oregon child welfare authorities removed her and her little brother from their Salem home.

It was too traumatizing for the young siblings who didn’t realize then that they would be separated from each other for years, leaving an ache they would carry for the rest of their childhoods.

When Topley, then 8, got the chance to attend a summer camp specifically designed to unite children in foster care with their siblings, it felt like a dream.

She recalled clinging to her brother upon seeing him that first year.

“We cried for hours,” said Topley, 29. “I remember running to him and hugging him and never wanting to let go.”

Now Topley serves on the board of directors for Kindred Matters, the Oregon-based organization that runs the camp where children in foster care or other out-of-home care can swim, craft and sit around a campfire with their siblings.

The charity is a beneficiary of The Oregonian/OregonLive’s 2025 Season of Sharing holiday fundraising campaign. Read more and see how you can help at the link in our bio.

This story is brought to you by paulsoncoletti

📷 by Sean Meagher/The Oregonian #seasonofsharing

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## Tags

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