A Difficult Beginning
Jeffery’s tale begins even before he was born. He was conceived by a young couple unprepared and disinterested in having children. While the option of abortion was considered, they ultimately chose to bring him into the world. Jeffery’s aunt, Amanda, was there to support her sister emotionally throughout the challenging pregnancy. But her sister’s mental and physical health deteriorated due to poor choices.
At one point, her sister was hospitalized due to a kidney infection that had turned septic. Her resistance to medical care and desire for both her and Jeffery to pass away added to the family’s distress. Due to her wavering mental health and the father’s drug problems, it was decided that Jeffery should live with Amanda’s mother and grandparents after his birth. Although Jeffery was born healthy, he ended up in a difficult living situation in the basement of the father’s family home, lacking even a crib.
Placed on Life Support
Everything changed when Amanda received a photo of a baby hooked up to machines, and she didn’t even recognize the baby as Jeffery. She rushed to the hospital to be by his side, only to discover that he was suffering from bleeding in the brain. Jeffery’s life hung in the balance, and his parents were not providing the support he needed.
His father had taken him to work on a farm while he was just three months old, and during this time, Jeffery lost consciousness. He was later found to have sustained significant injuries similar to those from a high-velocity car crash, including a detached muscle and hemorrhaging in his right eye. The medical professionals labeled it Non-Accidental Head Trauma, commonly known as Shaken Baby Syndrome.
No One to Turn To
Despite the severity of Jeffery’s condition, Amanda couldn’t understand how her sister and the father remained calm and unaffected. They barely showed any concern for their critically injured child, leaving Jeffery in the care of nurses and machines. Amanda felt compelled to take action and be there for Jeffery, but she faced the challenge of juggling her responsibilities at home, including caring for her ailing husband, young son, and grandmother.
When Jeffery’s condition improved slightly and he came home, Amanda continued to face challenges. She eventually decided to quit her job and open a business to focus on Jeffery’s health and development. It was during this time that Jeffery’s father’s health worsened due to cystic fibrosis and kidney failure, making her responsibilities even more overwhelming.
A Glimpse of Hope
Despite the odds stacked against them, Jeffery started to make progress. He came home with a G-tube and other health challenges but began rolling over and showing small signs of improvement. Then, another hurdle emerged when he began experiencing infantile spasms.
Amanda’s dedication and love for Jeffery never wavered. She continued to fight for his well-being as she juggled hospital visits and her husband’s deteriorating health. Despite the challenges, Jeffery’s progress and resilience were a testament to the power of love and care.
