Aya’s Journey of Strength and Resilience

Aya was born in August 2021, and at first, everything seemed normal. However, she struggled to gain weight, leading to frequent doctor visits. It was soon discovered that Aya was aspirating everything she drank, requiring a hospital stay at Vanderbilt. Her first surgery revealed a severe laryngeal cleft affecting her airway, leading to multiple surgeries to correct the issue.

In March 2023, Aya stopped breathing at home. Her mother, Jalisa, performed CPR until paramedics arrived, but Aya had already been without oxygen for more than 14 minutes, resulting in an anoxic brain injury. After extensive rehab in Atlanta, Aya was able to return home, but her journey was far from over. She now has a trach, a GJ feeding tube, and pulmonary issues requiring continuous care. She also faces additional surgeries, including those for her hips, which will require more hospital stays.

As a single mother of four, Jalisa balances Aya’s round-the-clock care with raising her other children. She cannot work full-time due to Aya’s medical needs, and financial struggles have made covering essentials like rent, utilities, and clothing even more challenging. With the support of the Big Z Foundation, Aya’s family has received assistance during their most difficult times, allowing them to focus on what matters most—Aya’s health and their family’s well-being.

Your support helps families like Aya’s navigate unimaginable challenges. Thank you for making a difference in their journey.

Donate to families like Aya’s today!