Ladreia’s Story

By Kyla Schmidt

EYLA THE WARRIOR

I will never forget the afternoon Ladreia called me saying she was having her baby. Normally this is exciting news to hear from a client, but Ladreia was only 23 weeks pregnant. The fear in her voice was palpable. And who could blame her? Ladreia was a mother of 4 beautiful girls- the youngest being only 6 months old. She had envisioned her two youngest daughters being about a year apart. Her early labor meant her babies would be a mere 7 months apart, with sweet Eyla being born 17 weeks early due to preeclampsia. 

Eyla has been in a fight for her life for the past 100 days. She has surpassed the expectations of her doctors since day one. When Ladreia was admitted into the hospital for delivery, her doctors told her Eyla would not make it. When asked if they should fight for her anyway, Ladreia replied with an emphatic “YES!” She insisted that they do all they could to save her baby. After 10 blood transfusions, 4 surgeries, and tons of love from her family, Eyla is finally scheduled to come home. 

My favorite part of working with Mom Starts Here families is the peace of mind our programs can bring. In a heartbreakingly stressful situation like Ladreia’s, we shine a small light of encouragement and provision. We have been able to provide a pack & play, car seat, high chair, clothing, diapers, nursery rocker, bottles and more. While nothing I could say or do would guarantee a positive outcome for Eyla, it has been an honor to stand with and encourage Ladreia and her family.

In reflection on her journey and Eyla’s story of survival despite the odds, Ladreia’s message is one of hope. She says,

Eyla was born a warrior, into a family that exudes hope. Her mother and four sisters eagerly await her highly anticipated arrival home.