My daughter, Mikayla
She loved going on adventures, doing photoshoots, and being the center of attention. Mikayla was a cheerleader, always radiant and beautiful, and her son, my grandson, is a constant reminder of her.
Mikayla loved getting her feet and nails done, and she had a kind and giving heart. She was not a selfish person. As an organ donor, she gave her heart to an elderly man, allowing it to continue beating, and her liver to a younger woman.
I also have a song that reminds me of Mikayla: "Jealous of the Angels" by Donna Taggart. It’s beautiful, and I dedicate it to her and to all mothers who have lost their children.
The Tragedy of 11/4/2021
On November 4, 2021, my world was shattered by a tragedy that caused immense suffering and distress. My 26-year-old daughter, Mikayla, was found unresponsive. I rushed to her aid, called 911, and attempted CPR. The paramedics arrived and managed to revive her, but the damage had already been done.
At the time, Mikayla had been staying with her boyfriend, who left the scene when authorities arrived. She had suffered severe brain damage due to a lack of oxygen, and her potassium levels were dangerously low. I was in a state of confusion and isolation, asking myself, “Why?” just as her 7-year-old son asks, “Why did mommy die?”
While going through her phone to look for memories of her, I found a text message from the night before her passing. It was a drug deal for "blues"—a slang term for pills laced with fentanyl. This is what caused her cardiac arrest and ultimately took her life.
I will advocate for victims' families, especially those who have lost children due to senseless acts like drug dealing. Victims matter, and I will stand on the front lines to ensure that drug dealers are held accountable for the lives they destroy.
My son, Ethan
In January 2019, my son Ethan was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 17. After three visits to the doctor, he was weak and could feel his heartbeat in his neck. I requested lab work, and two days later, we received a call from the doctor informing us that Ethan's red blood cell count was dangerously low and that he needed immediate medical attention.
I rushed him to the hospital, where we learned that he had leukemia. He only had 25% of his red blood cells left and was extremely pale. I dropped to my knees. Ethan asked, "What is leukemia, Mom?" I told him, "It’s cancer, buddy."
For the next two years, Ethan received chemotherapy, including about 40 lumbar punctures and dozens of blood and platelet transfusions. He was granted a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation to go to Disney World, but unfortunately, it was not granted due to COVID-19.
Before his diagnosis, Ethan was very athletic, playing basketball, karate, and baseball. He had also planned to enlist in the Marines, but those dreams were put on hold when we found out about his illness.
Ethan faithfully completed his treatments, which stopped the cancer and saved his life. However, the chemotherapy caused him to develop Avascular Necrosis, a condition where bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply. This condition, also known as osteonecrosis, can cause tiny fractures and lead to the bone collapsing. The process usually takes months or years.
Avascular Necrosis can occur after a broken bone or dislocated joint disrupts blood flow to a bone, and it is also associated with long-term use of high-dose steroid medications. We initially tried stem cell therapy, but it was not covered by insurance and had minimal success.
Ethan has undergone a total of six surgeries—five bilateral shoulder, hip, and knee replacements. For the past five years, he has been homebound and immunocompromised. Despite everything, I am incredibly proud that he graduated and received his diploma.
