Hello from the other side.

My name is Lailah Austin. I met my parents on January 26th, 2018. I came in this world with so much personality.

I remember the first time I saw my GiGi’s stethoscope, I knew I wanted to be a doctor. I was so happy when my sister Liberty was born cause now I would have someone to practice on. Every birthday marked another year closer to my dreams. But now, I’m stuck at 6 years old. See, my sister and I attended a pool party. Neither of us could swim. I'm not quite sure exactly how it happened, but I went under the water and couldn’t recover. Liberty could only watch.

That phone call to my parents made them cry and scream, so I did everything I could to breathe on my own. Then I heard a whisper, “Your light is needed here.” I pleaded, “But my birthday is Sunday, and my mommy has the whole party planned, and I have to get big so I can be a doctor. Just like the the people at Cardinal Glennon Hospital taking care of me"

But I had to go. As I transitioned to paradise I was very comfortable. They accommodated and consoled my HUGE family. They were all so gentle, so compassionate, soooo patient as my family stayed with me as long as possible. That is why I wanted to be a doctor. To the ladies that tried to help me at the pool, thank you!

Please send strength to my mommy, my daddy, my GiGi, my little sister Liberty, my Paw-Paw, my aunts, my cousins, my family, and my friends.

On behalf of the entire family, we thank you ALL for your support.

We've created this GoFundMe to support those who have reached out asking how they can help with our family's expenses during this time.