When Taylor arrived at the hospital in labor, she felt hopeful. She had cerebral palsy, but she was determined to have the natural birth she dreamed of—and she did. What she didn’t expect was how quickly that joy would turn into fear.
Moments after baby Karson was born, something wasn’t right.
“He was struggling to transition to the air outside my womb,” Taylor remembers. “He just wasn’t breathing right. His oxygen kept dropping.”
Within minutes, plans changed. Instead of settling into a recovery room, Taylor found herself following the NICU team as they rushed her newborn into intensive care. For the next five days, she watched tiny monitors, held tiny fingers, and prayed big prayers.
And because the stay was an emergency, she hadn’t brought the equipment she needed.
“I only had my manual wheelchair,” she said. “We had to drive back home a few times just to get my power chair and the things I needed. We weren’t expecting to be in the NICU at all.”
Those drives, the unexpected meals, the stress of being unprepared—everything added up quickly. That’s when a social worker connected her with the Variety Compassion Fund.
And for the first time in days… Taylor could breathe a little easier.
The money helped us get meals and gas. Even $200 can go such a long way when you’re in a situation like that. It gave us relief knowing we didn’t have to think about a utility bill or gas money or groceries or something to eat. It’s one less thing to worry about during a very stressful time.
And when she thinks about the people who choose to donate, Taylor lights up.
“It makes me feel like the world’s not all bad. There is good out there. When someone offers help, it goes a long way.”
Her message to anyone considering a donation is simple and powerful:
“You’re not just donating. You’re giving families relief. You’re helping parents breathe again.”
And to families who may find themselves in the NICU one day, wondering how they’ll cope, Taylor offers one heartfelt piece of advice:
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t hide your emotions. There are people out there who genuinely want to help you.”
Your generosity stays right here in Iowa, lifting families like Taylor and Karson’s when the unexpected turns their world upside down.
Join us December 11 and 12 for the Two Days of Compassion Radiothon on WHO Radio, 1460 KXnO, 104.5 KDAT, and KCRG-TV9.
Together, we can make sure no family faces their hardest moments alone. ❤️
