Surviving through grief!

Surviving Through Grief:

My name is LaKesha Davis, and I’m writing this as a mother who is still trying to come to terms with the unimaginable loss of my daughter, Jayla. She was my world—a bright, creative, and loving spirit who left us far too soon. Jayla tragically passed away from fentanyl poisoning, and since her death, my husband, Hammer, and I have been navigating a life filled with heartbreak, financial struggles, and an overwhelming sense of loss that no parent should ever have to endure.

Just weeks before Jayla passed away, Hammer was recovering from an injury and on workers' comp. Seven days after we laid our daughter to rest, he lost his job. Ever since, we’ve been struggling to keep our lives together while grieving our daughter. Bills have piled up, utilities are at risk of being disconnected, and we’re behind on our car payment. Every day feels like we’re fighting just to survive while still trying to find a way to properly mourn the loss of our beautiful girl.

We faced additional challenges when we discovered that Jayla’s life insurance, which was meant to cover her funeral expenses (funeral service and headstone), didn’t stretch far enough due to a lack of support from family members who were the policyholders. We were left with unexpected costs that we simply weren’t prepared for, and now we’re facing financial difficulties that are making it impossible for us to even breathe, let alone grieve.

But despite everything, Hammer and I are determined to build a legacy for Jayla—a legacy that will ensure her name is never forgotten and that no other parent has to go through what we’ve been through without support. We want to create an organization that will provide resources and a safe haven for families affected by addiction and overdose, offering them the support we wish we had during this tragic time.

Our dream is to build something meaningful in Jayla’s name—something that will help other parents navigate the loss of a child, something that will allow them to grieve, to find a path forward, and to know that they are not alone. But we need help to do this. We’re asking for your support to help us get back on our feet so we can build this legacy for Jayla. Your contributions will not only help us cover the outstanding funeral costs and overdue bills but will also help us take the first steps in creating something that could save lives and support grieving families.

How are we doing this? We’ve recently founded a not for profit organization that’s named in Jayla’s honor highlighting her passion for singing, writing, and more called “Jaylas Voice” and we’re super excited to make a lasting impact in those lives of so many by being an echo of Jaylas Voice.

Why?

Jayla always spent time trying to help others get through hard times and rough patches and we know that if she could tell us how she’d want us to represent her legacy, it would be using her story to impact even more lives and that’s why it is our focus to make sure the world always heard Jayla’s voice.

If everyone does a little, nobody has to do a lot.

Jayla’s name will never be forgotten, and with your help, we can ensure that her story inspires hope and change for others. Thank you for any support you can provide, whether through donations or simply sharing our story.