A mother’s strength through uncertainty

Deasia and her daughter, Jazzlynn-Marie, didn’t have a conventional journey. Their story started suddenly last December, with no real warning.

Deasia had always thought she might have PCOS, though she was never formally diagnosed. She had worried about fertility, so finding out she was pregnant came as an exciting surprise.

The pregnancy felt normal for Deasia. She didn’t feel sick, she didn’t even feel kicks. Meanwhile, something was wrong. 

Deasia didn’t know she had chronic hypertension. While pregnant, she also developed severe preeclampsia, conditions that went undetected until late in her pregnancy.On December 27, she went to the hospital after noticing something didn’t feel right. Her blood pressure was dangerously high, and she was admitted immediately. What was expected to be a 10 week stay quickly changed course.

After only two weeks, Deasia faced an early delivery, giving birth on January 7, at just 24 weeks, to Jazzlyn-Marie.

The 1 pound, 7 ounce baby faced serious medical challenges. She had two brain hemorrhages — Grade 3 and Grade 4 — as well as hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid causing swelling in the brain. She also had complications with her lungs that required immediate care.

Doctors shared that she could face risks like developmental delays or cerebral palsy. There were still many unknowns with ongoing brain bleeding, the possibility of procedures ahead.

“It happened so fast,” she said.

Jazzlynn-Marie spent about three months in the NICU. During that time, Deasia was navigating fear, waiting for answers and trying to process what her daughter’s future would be.

Just days after giving birth, Deasia came to stay at Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas, so she could remain close to her daughter.

Without a car, commuting from Anderson every day would have been overwhelming for the already-stressed new mother. Being able to stay nearby changed everything.

“Coming here was a really good thing for me because it helped my stress go down,” Deasia said. “And I was stressing a lot.”

Though she admitted she was nervous at first about staying somewhere unknown in such a difficult time in her life, she quickly found unexpected comfort in an unfamiliar place. 

While staying at the House, she was truly able to settle in and make her space feel ike home. She brought her own belongings to the House, cooked whenever she wanted and found a comforting, yet private place to heal. 

“Just being able to make this place your own,” she shared, truly made her stay feel like home.

However, it was not only the amenities, but the atmosphere that provided comfort. She shared that the friendly staff and “cool, calm and collected” nature of the House made a difference, even on the hard days.

After three months in the NICU, Jazzlyn and Deasia are home. Through it all, Deasia stays focused on her daughter’s future.

“I’m just hoping she keeps getting stronger,” she shared. 

And day by day, she is. Now, approaching four-months-old, Jazzlyn-Marie is stronger than ever. She continues to receive care through therapy and specialist visits. Deasia visits Greenville for appointments, staying connected to her daughter’s care.

Written by Kylie Tutterow