Finding Strength, One Day at a Time

For Ca’Donna, motherhood began with a journey she never expected.

Her daughter, Ca’Leyah, was born after more than 48 hours of labor. Nothing during pregnancy suggested there would be complications. But during delivery, Ca’Leyah suffered severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Today, she lives with severe HIE, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and significant developmental delays.

“There were no warning signs,” Ca’Donna shares. “Everything changed during labor.”

Now, daily life is built around care, patience, and love. A typical day includes more than 6 to 7 feedings in a 24-hour period, diaper changes every two hours (or more as needed), naps spread throughout the day, and intentional time working on motor skills using sensory objects. Every moment is carefully planned around Ca’Leyah’s needs.

Although Ca’Leyah doesn’t have siblings living in the home, when family is nearby, they step in with open arms—holding her, helping care for her, and surrounding her with as much love as possible.

“I would say life for my family today is getting better,” Ca’Donna says, “but it’s still very hectic and overwhelming. No matter how much we do or how much we try to make things easier for her, it’s a lot.”

At just 12 months old, Ca’Leyah is developmentally closer to a 3- to 4-month-old. The uncertainty weighs heavily.

“I worry about whether she’ll ever have a ‘normal’ life,” Ca’Donna shares. “Talking, walking, crawling, eating on her own—things many parents take for granted.”

In the midst of these challenges, Better2gether has become a steady source of comfort and connection. Ca’Donna and Ca’Leyah have attended the Halloween gathering and Christmas party, and they regularly receive support during hospital stays or moments of need.

“Better2gether has helped us in so many ways,” Ca’Donna says. “But the emotional and mental support—that’s been the best part.”

She especially values the relationship with Jenn, one of Better2gether’s Family Navigators. “When I call or text Jennifer, she’s always there,” Ca’Donna shares. “Even when I just need to vent or decompress. She knows what to say, and more importantly, she knows how to listen.”

For families like Ca’Donna’s, Better2gether isn’t just a resource—it’s a lifeline. Because of donors and community support, families navigating medical complexity never have to walk alone.

As Ca’Donna puts it, “Sometimes just knowing someone understands makes all the difference.”