Tierra tells us that a feeding tube, cpap, oxygen, respiratory distress syndrome, apnea, jaundice, incubators, open crib, and a car seat test are not the things she imagined being a part of her baby's journey or the start of their family.

Tierra was only 27 weeks pregnant when her daughter Ava was born, weighing only 1.9lbs. “Coming home empty handed from the hospital without my newborn in my arms is a feeling of heartache that no mama should experience.”

Tierra remembers the days and nights she spent driving back and forth to the NICU to watch Ava fight to live!!

She says, “It was a time in life I will never forget and always honor and cherish because it showed just how strong my baby girl is. I am forever grateful for Dr. Thomas, Dr. Boykin and the entire NICU staff at St Mary’s Medical center and grateful that God provided all of us with the strength and resiliency to walk through one the scariest moments of our lives.”

Ava Rose finally came home after 62 days in the NICU and has come such a long way. She’s two years old now and loves bubbles, playing outdoors and all things Cocomelon. ”Ava is just as smart, sweet, sassy, and beautiful as ever. God has his hands on her so nothing and no one will stop her,” says Tierra.