NORTH TEXAS — It’s been six years since a domestic violence shooting left a pregnant mother dead and nearly killed her unborn child.
The baby was able to make a full recovery, and a local non-profit is now working to ensure she gets the childhood she deserves.
Organizing a “Frozen”-themed birthday party was something No More Violence founder Patricia Allen hoped and prayed for six years ago.
“It brings me joy to see her enjoying her day full of love,” she said.
That’s when she first met Derashawn Jefferson, a baby battling for his life in the neonatal intensive care unit.
She was named after her mother, who was killed in a domestic violence shooting on the day she was born, four weeks before her due date.
Doctors had to perform an emergency Caesarean section.
“From the day I met her at the hospital, I fell in love with her,” she said.
Allen and her nonprofit watched as the newborn made a full recovery and was given a new nickname: “Miracle.”
“She’s a miracle child,” she said. “She’s a miracle baby. Even when she wants to cry, she can’t cry because she’s so full of joy. She’s full of smiles.”
Since then, they’ve been a part of her life, celebrating every milestone, and Allen even became her godfather.
“She’s smart, she’s learning and she’s just a really happy child,” Allen said. “She’s full of joy. She knows she doesn’t have a mother, but she has a family close by that loves her and she’s getting a lot of that.”
As No More Violence celebrates its 13th anniversary, Allen said it has provided comfort and support to about 100 North Texas families affected by gun violence.
They help plan candlelight prayers and funerals, and make sure affected children have birthdays, holidays and vacations.
“They’ve been there from the beginning,” Miracle parent Jo Jones said. “I can honestly say that without Trisha and everyone in the community, we couldn’t have come this far. We couldn’t have done it.”
“It’s nice to know I can help families and contribute, and it brings me joy,” Allen said. “It can be sad, very emotional and very exhausting, but it’s something I look forward to.”
Allen has seen the difference her efforts make in people’s lives, and that’s what motivates her every day.
“A child never forgets anything,” she said. “To remember the days, the months and all of those who came to show her love and to see her smile… that’s priceless, I really do!”
To learn more about “No More Violence,” click here.
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Erin Jones
