In a moment that left the Outnumbered set at Fox News in stunned silence, Harris Faulkner, the Emmy-winning journalist and beloved anchor, shared a heartwarming revelation that has captivated audiences nationwide. On July 21, 2025, during a live broadcast, Faulkner announced that she and her husband, Tony Berlin, have adopted a “very special” new family member—a young child orphaned by the devastating Kerrville, Texas, floods earlier that month. The child, a three-year-old girl named Lily, survived the tragedy that claimed 135 lives and caused $1.2 billion in damages. Faulkner’s emotional announcement, delivered with her trademark warmth, brought tears to her co-hosts’ eyes and sparked a wave of celebration on social media. This article explores Faulkner’s adoption of Lily, the emotional journey behind the decision, her life as a journalist and mother, and the profound message of compassion and resilience that her story embodies.

A Moment of Silence on Outnumbered

Harris Faulkner, 59, is a commanding presence on Fox News, known for her incisive journalism and warm demeanor as co-anchor of Outnumbered and The Faulkner Focus. A six-time Emmy Award winner, she’s adept at navigating complex political discussions, but on July 21, during a segment about the Kerrville flood recovery, she paused, her voice trembling. “I have something personal to share,” she began, her eyes glistening. “Our family has grown. We’ve welcomed a very special new member—a little girl named Lily, who survived the floods. She’s teaching us what family truly means.”

The studio fell silent. Co-hosts Emily Compagno, Kayleigh McEnany, and guest panelist Harold Ford Jr. leaned in, visibly moved. “Harris, that’s incredible,” Compagno said, her voice breaking. Faulkner shared that Lily, orphaned when her parents perished in the Guadalupe River surge, was rescued from a flooded campsite. “She’s a miracle,” Faulkner said on air. “This child has been through unimaginable loss, but she’s brought so much love into our home.” The announcement, a rare glimpse into Faulkner’s private life, resonated deeply, with X users posting, “Harris Faulkner adopting a flood orphan? That’s the kind of heart that changes lives! 👶💖”

Lily’s Journey: From Tragedy to Family

Lily’s story began in the chaos of the July 4, 2025, Kerrville floods, when Tropical Storm Barry’s remnants unleashed a 26-foot surge along the Guadalupe River. The disaster devastated Kerrville, a Texas Hill Country town, destroying 1,500 homes, 200 businesses, and claiming 135 lives, including 37 children, at campsites like Camp Mystic and Blue Oak RV Park. Lily, then unnamed, was found clinging to debris by volunteers from Fundación 911, a Mexican search-and-rescue team. Malnourished and traumatized, the toddler was one of few survivors from her family’s campsite, her parents swept away in the floodwaters.

The Kerrville Child Protective Services (CPS), overwhelmed with displaced children, placed Lily in emergency foster care, sharing her story through local news outlets. Tony Berlin, Faulkner’s husband and a former WCCO-TV reporter, saw a report about the “miracle girl” while Faulkner was in Texas covering the floods for Fox News. “Her face stayed with me,” Faulkner told PEOPLE in a July 22 interview. “She’d lost everything, but there was this strength in her eyes. I knew we had to act.” Berlin, who has supported adoption advocacy, brought the idea to Faulkner, sparking a family discussion that would change their lives.

The adoption process was expedited due to the crisis but thorough, involving home visits and interviews with CPS. Faulkner and Berlin, parents to daughters Bella (born 2007) and Danika (born 2010), consulted their girls, who embraced the idea of a new sister. “Bella said, ‘She needs us, Mom,’” Faulkner recounted. On July 15, the family met Lily at a Kerrville foster home. “She was so small, clutching a stuffed bunny,” Faulkner said. “When Danika held her hand, Lily smiled for the first time. That was it—we were hers.” The adoption was finalized on July 18, and Lily joined the Faulkner-Berlin family in New Jersey, beginning a new chapter.

Harris Faulkner: A Life of Service and Compassion

Faulkner’s decision to adopt Lily reflects her deep-rooted compassion, shaped by her upbringing and career. Born October 13, 1965, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Lieutenant Colonel Bobby R. Harris and Shirley Harris, Faulkner grew up in a military family, moving frequently before settling in Stuttgart, Germany. Her parents instilled values of service and resilience, which she carried into her journalism career, starting at KCAL-TV in Los Angeles and WNCT-TV in Greenville, North Carolina, before joining Fox News in 2005.

As a Black female journalist, Faulkner has broken barriers, earning six Emmy Awards for her coverage of events like the 2015 Baltimore protests. Her shows, Outnumbered and The Faulkner Focus, showcase her ability to blend sharp analysis with empathy. Off-screen, she’s a devoted wife to Tony Berlin, married since 2003, and mother to Bella and Danika. Faulkner’s faith, rooted in Christianity, guides her, as does her philanthropy, including support for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, inspired by her father’s battle with the disease. “Lily’s story hit me hard,” she told Good Housekeeping. “As a mother, a Christian, and a journalist covering this tragedy, I felt called to act.”

A Family Redefined

Lily’s arrival has transformed the Faulkner-Berlin household. Bella and Danika, now 18 and 15, have embraced their new sister, helping her adjust with bedtime stories and playtime. “The girls are smitten,” Faulkner said in a PEOPLE interview. “They’re teaching her songs, and she’s starting to giggle.” Berlin has been hands-on, arranging therapy to help Lily process her trauma. The family’s two cats, Daisy and Ginger, have taken to Lily, with Daisy curling up beside her during naps. “It’s a full house,” Faulkner laughed. “But it’s full of love.”

The adoption has sparked meaningful family conversations about loss and resilience. “We talk about Lily’s parents with her, in ways she can understand,” Faulkner said. “We want her to know she’s loved by them and us.” The Kerrville floods, which Faulkner covered extensively, left a deep mark. “Reporting on families waiting for DNA results was heart-wrenching,” she said. “Bringing Lily home felt like a way to turn grief into hope.” The family is working with a child therapist to support Lily’s emotional needs, ensuring her transition is gentle.

The Outnumbered announcement resonated with viewers, who flooded X with support. “Harris Faulkner adopting an orphan from the floods? That’s what humanity looks like,” one user wrote. Another posted, “Lily’s so lucky to have Harris as a mom. This story’s got me in tears! 😢” The revelation also sparked discussions about adoption, with CPS reporting increased inquiries in Kerrville. “Harris’s story is inspiring families to open their hearts,” said CPS director Laura Martinez to USA Today.

The Broader Impact: A Beacon in Crisis

Lily’s adoption comes as Kerrville grapples with the aftermath of its deadliest flood in decades. The tragedy, which claimed 135 lives and caused $1.2 billion in damages, left families like Hailey Chavarria’s awaiting DNA results for loved ones. Faulkner’s coverage on The Faulkner Focus highlighted stories of heroism, like Julian Ryan’s sacrifice to save his family, and loss, like the Harber sisters found holding rosaries. By adopting Lily, Faulkner has become part of Kerrville’s story, offering hope amid despair.

The adoption aligns with Faulkner’s history of advocacy. Her books, Breaking News: God Has a Plan and 9 Rules of Engagement, reflect her belief in finding purpose in adversity. “Lily’s our miracle,” she told Good Housekeeping. “She’s proof that love can grow from loss.” Faulkner plans to support Kerrville’s recovery, hosting a fundraiser on The Faulkner Focus for flood-affected families and foster children. “This isn’t just about Lily,” she said. “It’s about lifting up a community.”

The announcement’s emotional weight on Outnumbered underscored Faulkner’s authenticity. “Harris sharing this was so raw,” a Reddit user commented. “It’s rare to see anchors open up like that.” Co-host Kayleigh McEnany called it “a moment I’ll never forget,” while Harold Ford Jr. praised Faulkner’s compassion, saying, “This is why she’s a leader on and off screen.”

Balancing Career and a Growing Family

Faulkner’s career remains vibrant, with Outnumbered and The Faulkner Focus drawing strong ratings. Her coverage of the Kerrville floods, including interviews with survivors like Tanya Powell, showcased her ability to blend journalism with empathy. Yet, family is her priority. “Bella, Danika, and now Lily are my why,” she told Parents in 2023. “They keep me grounded.” Berlin, who runs Berlin Media Relations, shares parenting duties, ensuring Faulkner can balance her demanding schedule.

Lily’s arrival has brought new lessons for Bella and Danika, who are learning about empathy and responsibility. “They’re growing up seeing what it means to give someone a second chance,” Faulkner said. The family is adjusting to their new dynamic, with Faulkner admitting, “It’s chaotic, but it’s a beautiful chaos.” They’re planning to celebrate Lily’s first birthday with them in August, a milestone marking her new beginning.

A Legacy of Love

Faulkner’s adoption of Lily has struck a chord, offering a powerful narrative in a year of division and disaster. “Lily didn’t just survive—she chose to trust again,” Faulkner said on Outnumbered. “That’s what family is: choosing each other, no matter what.” The Kerrville community, still mourning, has embraced her gesture, with locals like Ashton Bolton, who lost his home, calling it “a light in the darkness.”

As Faulkner and Berlin raise Bella, Danika, and Lily, their story is a testament to compassion’s transformative power. “This is about more than us,” Faulkner told PEOPLE. “It’s about showing the world that family can grow in the most unexpected ways.” With X posts like “Harris Faulkner’s adoption of Lily is pure love! 👶💕” and “This is why she’s a role model,” the public’s response reflects the universal appeal of her story. For Faulkner, Lily is not just a new family member but a symbol of hope, redefining family in the wake of Texas’ darkest days.