Keyna recently stopped by Austin LifeCare to thank volunteer Sharon Davis and to tell her about her beautiful six-month-old daughter. Keyna had faced unexpected pregnancies before and had chosen abortion. This time was different because of Austin LifeCare, and now so is her life.

When Keyna came to LifeCare Pregnancy Services in July 2006 for a pregnancy test, she said she wanted to keep the baby if the test was positive even though her boyfriend had left her. She had support this time and felt she needed to start taking care of herself.  She had an eight-year-old son who needed her too.  She said she didn’t intend to have an abortion like she had before.

Sharon had counseled Keyna on her last visit to the center as well so she already knew a little about her past.  She knew Keyna needed to be loved and showed compassion.  They talked for a while and Sharon gave Keyna a Bible and one of her handmade bookmarks.  Keyna asked that Sharon make one for her new baby “when he or she is born”.  Sharon was hopeful that this pregnancy would have a good outcome.

Over the next few months, Sharon followed up with Keyna.  At 11 weeks, everything was going well.  At about 5 months, Keyna found out she was having a girl.  Sharon tried to contact her near her due date but was unable to do so.  She waited, but heard nothing.

When Keyna stopped by LifeCare Pregnancy Services to thank her counselor, Sharon, she said, “If it had not been for Sharon and LifeCare, I would have had another abortion.” Sharon was out that day recovering from surgery. Gerry Williams, Director of Pregnancy Services, asked if she could come back later that day for Hannah’s Closet visit for new baby clothes and bring her new baby, Keyomi, so we could take a picture to show Sharon.  Gerry called Sharon to tell her Keyna had stopped by to see her and, to everyone’s surprise, Sharon came to the center to see Keyna when she came back for her Hannah’s Closet appointment. 

Keyna credits the care and compassion she received from the volunteers at LifeCare for the new hope and confidence she has in her future and the future of her children.