PLEASE GO TO 3/17/22 UPDATE

 Hello, I recently became aware that Deidre's family is dealing with a devastating blow. I knew her children's late great-grandmother (Ms. Dorothy)  and grew up around her mother Yolanda for years through our church affiliation growing up in our small town of Shelbyville, Kentucky until we moved on with our lives as young adults.

 

This family needs our help. About four months ago, Deidre a 31 yr. old mother of three daughters Nariah 14, Nakiya 10, Nazari 5 was experiencing back pain during her pregnancy. She is a petite young woman with a quiet spirit. Finally, able to go to a doctor on June 15, 2021, this young mother received the shocking diagnosis of Stage 4 Gastrointestinal Cancer. Due to Covid-19, she had to share this traumatic news over the phone. Her world and that of her mother, sister Takeysha and brother Tyrone's world came crashing down around them. Can you imagine the shock of hearing that you have a terminal illness with a baby due in October? Doctors continued to provide the best care possible for mother and baby. Deidre was unable to take full chemotherapy or radiation because of potential harm to her unborn child. Thankful to God, although deathly ill on September 1, 2021, she gave birth via c-section to a 3lb. 3oz. baby boy, she named Dior (which means Present). Grateful for the birth of her son, I can imagine questions interrupting her joy "Will I live to raise him and my girls?" "What will become of my precious jewels?"

 

That's where her mother Super Nana has put on her cape and is taking over! With help, Yolanda continues to run a small in-home daycare. For the past three months, she has driven daily to be with Deidre and now has custody of her children. Baby Dior is doing fine and is coming home soon, too. This grandmother is a champion! Tears and Prayer are her meals each day while the thought of loss accompanies her to sleep at night. Faith, fear, loss, and loneliness, grief, love, joy, fight for space in her head. But, it's all about Diedre and the children. Can you imagine facing the possible reality of your own baby girl being taken from you, yet you possess an unwavering determination to love and nurture four children in your senior years? No matter what God will provide, keep it movin' Yolanda!

 

Two days ago I was visiting and Diedre had to be taken back to the hospital after only being home for a week. She is now under Hospice care. She was in pain but told me in a faint whisper that her hope is to raise her children. She is experiencing complication after complication. Diedre understands her plight and she is tired. Yet, she and her family hold on to their faith in God because they know He can still perform miracles. I believe it too! Think about it you're a miracle yourself (smile).

 

This is where you can come in. Diedre does not have medical or burial insurance should she not make it. The concern now is for her children. They will suffer an unimaginable loss that will be in their hearts forever. Can we ease the financial challenges that Grandmother Yolanda will experience even with help from limited community resources? Can we contribute to the children's future so that it is bright with educational opportunities, school dances, Little Caesar's pizza (Nazari's favorite!), proms - life experiences we all want our children or grandchildren to have? They need us to become God's hands and heart. Will you invest in Diedre and her Diamonds...her babies? We pray she recovers, but if she doesn't we can help her family know that they are not alone. I know that gifts come from strangers with a heart empathy and compassion. May you be blessed abundantly! If you read this and cannot contribute continue to pray for this family and others experiencing tragedy and hardships. The prayers and gifts of the righteous will prevail.

 

Thank you for any amount!

 

Tamera Miracle Magee