Willa was born September 7, 2022. What should have been a joyous day quickly turned into a fight for her life. After 12 minutes of resuscitation, she was rushed to the NICU, where her condition was uncertain. At 7 days old, an MRI revealed severe brain damage caused by hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Doctors were prepared for the worst—hearing loss, blindness, cerebral palsy, and no cognitive abilities—however Willa’s resilience quickly became evident.

Therapy began immediately in the NICU with physical, occupational, and feeding therapies. A doctor told her family, “She will be what you put into her,” and that became their mantra. When Willa was 3 weeks old, she was enrolled in Missouri First Steps, a program offered through Center for Human Services (CHS), which would become a lifeline. Through in-home therapy, tailored to her needs, Willa began making remarkable progress. Initially receiving physical and occupational therapy, she later added vision and speech therapy as her needs grew. Now, at 2 years old, Willa’s achievements are astounding. She’s developing head control, working on sitting independently, vocalizing more, building strength in her legs, and interacting with toys and people. Missouri First Steps through CHS has played a vital role, not just for Willa but for her entire family. Center for Human Services team members have become like family—helping her family navigate challenges, providing equipment, and sharing in their triumphs.

Willa’s journey shows the power of persistence, therapy, and a dedicated support system. Thanks to CHS Missouri First Steps, Willa continues to defy expectations and reach new heights. These services are life-changing, proving that children like Willa truly can achieve the extraordinary.