Families for HoPE, Inc.

For parents Marcus Traylor and JoAnna Jefferson, they find comfort in the precious moments spent with their daughter, Tehya Chula Marie Jefferson.  Tehya is a Native American name meaning “precious”.  Although Tehya’s life spanned only a few short months, her life and courageous spirit are a precious gift living in the hearts of her parents and family.

Tehya was born on December 14, 2006 to Marcus and JoAnna of Millerton, Oklahoma.  Due to diabetes and high blood pressure, JoAnna was monitored closely throughout her pregnancy.  Although three ultrasound were performed, little Tehya kept her face hidden not allowing the ultrasound technicians to see her face.  As a result, Marcus and JoAnna were surprised to discover at her birth that Tehya had a cleft lip and cleft palate.  Initially, doctors suspected that Tehya might have Down Syndrome.

The doctors decided to transfer Tehya to a children’s hospital where she would receive specialized care.  Unfortunately, the children’s hospital was located four hours away from the hospital in which JoAnna was recovering from her c-section.  Before Tehya was transported to the children’s hospital, JoAnna remembers holding her in her arms and feeling thankful that her precious baby girl was alive.

Tehya and her sisters

When Tehya arrived at the children’s hospital, doctors quickly began to evaluate her condition.  By the end of the day, Tehya was diagnosed with holoprosencephaly.  Still recovering from her c-section, JoAnna learned of the diagnosis from Tehya’s aunt and grandmother who were staying at Tehya’s bedside until JoAnna could arrive.  JoAnna then spoke with Tehya’s doctor who explained the details of the diagnosis.  The doctor recommended that JoAnna arrive at the hospital as soon as possible because Tehya was expected to live only a few hours.

Three days later, Tehya was discharged from the hospital into the care of her parents.  Although the doctors were correct in her diagnosis of holoprosencephaly, they underestimated the determination and strength of Tehya.  Tehya lived two months and 11 days surrounded by the love and commitment of her family including sisters Shaina, Ashlen, and BreAnna and nephew Jalynd.

Marcus and JoAnna obtained the services of a local hospice organization in their community.  In describing the hospice nurses, JoAnna said, “They were so wonderful, and I was grateful for their warmth and caring hearts.”  Tehya was challenged by daily seizures and was fed with a feeding tube.  Tehya would frequently let everyone know her displeasure of the feeding tube by grasping it and pulling it out!

JoAnna says that her faith made her strong and able to take care of Tehya’s many needs.  “I prayed for her, and God helped me get through this by showing me how strong I had to be for her.  Every time I gained strength taking care of Tehya, I knew it was because of Him.”

Even with the diagnosis of holoprosencephaly and the warnings that Tehya might survive only a few hours, JoAnna feels that Tehya’s life was a miracle.  “It was amazing that she lived for two months.  She could have given up at any time, but she held on as long as her body would let her.”

Today, JoAnna has created a website in memory of Tehya  (www.tehyajefferson.memory-of.com) where she can share her feelings and Tehya’s story with the world.  Although Tehya’s short time on earth seems but just a moment, for JoAnna and Marcus, Tehya’s life was a special and precious moment that will forever remain a part of them.