Miracles really do happen!

Born 1lb 3oz at 24 weeks, baby Zion fought hard to live. 17 years later, with prayer and determination, she has persevered academically!

On Friday, February 13th, 2009, Zion was born at 24 weeks. Doctors delivered the news to her parents that she was critically premature and every day was going to be a fight. News of possible cerebral palsy, brain bleeds, mental retardation and the list goes on was delivered. At birth her lungs were undeveloped and she depended on the machine to breathe for her. Zion was described as the size of a stick of butter , transparent as an onion peel. Tubes ran through her body; machines chirped 24 hours nonstop. Everyone in Zion’s life united in prayer and believed God for a miracle. Zion stayed in the Neonatal Unit for 115 days. During this time her parents endured trials and financial hardship to keep the family afloat. Gas money to get to and from the hospital (hour drive one way), food, bills, transportation, housing, etc. was all needed.

Thank God for Have Faith Community Development Corporation and The Ronald McDonald House of Columbia was providing all the necessities the Brailsford family needed during this time of watching their daughter fight to live. Optimistically, upon release from the hospital, Zion received therapies to help with her development.

On May 8, 2026, Zion will be graduating from the Mother Geneva Johnson Academy and Central Carolina Technical College with a high school diploma and a college degree completed at the age of 17. No learning disabilities, no cerebral palsy, no health disparities!

Zion wishes are to bless the nonprofit organizations that blessed her and her family and to be able to pursue a college degree.

1. Have Faith CDC

2. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia

3. Building more homes to support families in need (like mine!)

Please Help me help somebody!

Her goal is $377,000.00

Your donation is greatly appreciated!