Tyaira is a compassionate, intelligent young woman who loves to cook and dreams of becoming a pediatric nurse. Ever since she was little, she has spent much of her life in hospitals, cared for by nurses who inspired her with their kindness and strength. This fall, she begins her first semester of college, ready to turn that dream into reality.
Tyaira’s medical journey began the day she was born, arriving prematurely and weighing just two pounds, two ounces. She was diagnosed at birth with a severe grade four brain bleed and an allergy to milk. Tragically, despite this diagnosis, she was mistakenly given milk in the hospital, triggering serious complications that led to emergency abdominal surgery. At just one month old, she underwent surgery to place a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt to relieve excess fluid on her brain. After two challenging months in the hospital, Tyaira was finally strong enough to go home, but her fight was far from over.
While in the hospital, Tyaira’s mom Davette had to quickly learn how to become a strong advocate for herself and her daughter. Still grieving the loss of a son, she faced the hospital experience with anxiety, but also with determination, learning how to feed and care for Tyaira, ultimately proving to the medical team that she was ready to care for her at home.
From that point on, their family’s life has revolved around hospital visits. When she was almost one, Tyaira needed eye surgery and was limited to prescribed milk formula. Periodically, Tyaira would stay at the hospital for longer stretches with pneumonia, respiratory issues, and severe allergic reactions. Through these reoccurring challenges, Tyaira remained calm. Davette found peace through her Coordinator Vicki at The Coordinating Center and the Rare and Expensive (REM) Case Management Program, services her family has relied on since Tyaira was three months old.
Vicki is a constant source of help, keeping Davette organized and always just a phone call away. “She is a life saver,” says Davette. Vicki found a more affordable milk option for Tyaira that met her dietary needs and was helpful navigating providers and resources that could accept their insurance.
“With everything I’ve faced, Ms. Vicki has always been there—proactive, steady, and strong. I couldn’t imagine going through this with anyone else by my side,” says Davette.
Davette encourages anyone considering The Coordinating Center to take the leap, saying, “It’s a truly awesome program—you won’t be disappointed. This place helped me through the toughest times in my life, and I have no complaints. I’ve always felt welcomed, supported, and respected. Not once has Ms. Vicki made me feel uncomfortable—she’s been a constant source of comfort and strength.”
Tyaira and her mother live by the powerful message of the church song “I Told the Storm” by Greg O’Quinn. It serves as a reminder for them to stay strong, hold their heads high, and trust that brighter days are ahead. This resilience is evident in Tyaira’s journey, as she proudly graduates from high school and begins her first year of college, carrying their shared faith and determination into this next chapter.
