Hey, how’s everyone doing? Let me introduce myself to some. My name is Chennethia Shay Smith. I am the CEO of the non-profit organization Lady Jewels of Purpose, a Mother of seven, Wife, Minster,Business Owner,family, and friend to many. I’m writing this in one of my most vulnerable, transparent moments. On May 17, me and my family experienced one of the most traumatizing experiences. I had a 25-year-old who completed college fighting for her life in the hospital and an 18-year-old preparing for her high school year to end and prepping for her future. During this tragedy, it took away from my daughter, Jayla Thompson, not being able to have two of the most important people in her life witness her meet a milestone. Instead, her big sister, her hero, the person that she looks up to, had to watch on television from a hospital bed. As a mother, I was forced to make one of the most painful decisions, which is to cheer my third child as she crossed the stage graduating with a 3.0 or being in the hospital to fight for my oldest daughter’s life. Only through God’s grace, we won the battle, but there are so many storms that we are still trying to overcome. During the 28-day stay at the hospital, we lost time from family, friends, financial hardship, and brokenness that we are still trying to mend together. Jayla prepared to go into college right after high school, excited and proud to follow in her big sister, her hero’s footsteps, but her plans were put to a halt. Having to make a choice between staying at home to care for your hero or going to college, it wasn’t the time, and the funds weren’t there. The family had to put all their plans aside and focus on the one person who needed us the most. Jayla had to delay her journey. She would do anything for her hero, and she did just that. She cared for her, slept with her, cooked for her, and nursed her, but she was still a little disappointed that her journey was halted. But as a family, we kept our faith and we kept pushing. I’m writing this because here we are closer to the victory, but not there yet. Jayla has been accepted into college, but we don’t have the funds to send her. I’m just reaching out as a mother in need. This is extremely hard for me because I’m a giver and always weather storms alone. I’m reaching out, just trusting God and allowing Him to order my steps. My family and friends have been there for me tremendously, but I need some extra help, so I’m asking those that can and will find it in their heart to help send Jayla to college, a young girl that dances for the Lord, humble, loving, spirit-filled, to start her journey to success.

Thank you, blessings to all.