A Mother’s Day Story:

“Beating the Odds…Each and Every Day”

By the time she was only 23 years old, Kala had already faced and overcome more challenges than most people face in their lifetime. She had given birth to a baby girl, Aubrey, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and other significant medical problems. She had been abandoned by Aubrey’s father, who could not face the responsibility of raising a special-needs child. She, herself, had been diagnosed with cervical cancer. Finally, she had left her home and family in Oklahoma to raise Aubrey by herself in Washington, DC, so that she and Aubrey could have access to better medical resources.  But despite all that adversity, Kala wasn’t complaining. Instead, she was focused on Aubrey’s health, her health, and making a better life for the two of them. She had a steady job at INOVA Health System and a safe place to live, as well as health care for both herself and Aubrey, who was growing by leaps and bounds.

Then Kala’s world was turned upside down when she was faced with an unplanned pregnancy.

Her boyfriend insisted she abort their baby. Her family back in Oklahoma also pressured her to have an abortion. Even Kala’s roommate, who provided childcare for Aubrey while Kala worked, told her she would have to choose between the life of her baby or having a roof over her head. Kala chose life.

Without a place to live, and now without a job because of a lack of child care and a high-risk pregnancy, Kala turned to The Northwest Center as her final hope. She admits, “I was truly scared, I thought about living in my car.  At that point, it was one day at a time.” She was accepted into our maternity home program, and finally she and Aubrey have the care, opportunities and loving support they deserve.

“The Northwest Center has opened doors I couldn’t have opened myself, even though I was trying.”

Due to her own serious medical conditions, combined with her high-risk pregnancy, Kala considers each new week of her pregnancy a cause for celebration. Even after several trips to the ER due to pregnancy complications, the challenges little Aubrey has to face, and the difficult decisions Kala has had to make, Kala maintains a cheerful, positive attitude.

And Aubrey’s progress is nothing short of miraculous. Doctors had said she wouldn’t survive birth-they didn’t even sign her birth certificate.  When she survived, they said she would never walk, talk or be able to feed herself. But now, aided by special therapy we were able to enroll her in, she doesn’t just walk, she runs. She happily sits at the grown-ups’ table and feeds herself. And she can speak. She loves to walk around and ask everyone, “Are you happy?” She certainly is! Her joy radiates to all those she meets. Kala and Aubrey have charmed everyone in our maternity home with their big smiles and loving natures.

Kala and The Northwest Center family are currently eagerly awaiting her baby’s arrival. Kala plans to return to a profession in the medical field once she has recovered-she plans to become a certified EMT. She is determined to become self-sufficient and move into a place of her own where she can raise her two daughters.

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Kala is just one example of the many women we are able to help each year. The Northwest Center serves as the last resort for so many women. Sadly, with no support from family or friends, many pregnant girls and women see abortion as their only option. This Mother’s Day, won’t you help these mothers and their babies? Your financial support will allow us to help them choose life, embrace motherhood, and celebrate Mother’s Day with us next year and every year after!

As always, we are relying on your generous support to continue our mission of promoting the dignity of women and the respect for all human life. From all of us at The Northwest Center: Thank you for your generosity and have a happy Mother’s Day!

A Gift for Your Mother:

This Mother’s Day you can honor your mother with a heartfelt gift that will have a resounding impact on the pregnant and parenting mothers we serve.  With a minimum donation of $25, we will send your mother a letter acknowledging the financial donation you made in her honor.  This is a special way to thank your mother for all she has done for you and to help continue our life-affirming mission.  Please consider making the most generous gift you are able.  Please send the following info via email to kristen@northwestcenter.net (if donating online), or with your enclosed check: your name, your mother’s name and address, and if you wish us to include your donation amount.