Everleigh Danielle Barreras was born at 29 weeks on June 24, 2016 at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Temple, TX, the daughter of Mark and Kayla Barreras. At birth she weighed 2 lbs. 3 oz. and measured 13.5 inches in length. Immediately following birth, she was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where she received world class care from her team of doctors and nurses. Despite her complex medical history, Everleigh fought her fight day-in and day-out. Following 17 weeks in the NICU, she was discharged on hospice and finally able to go home with her family.
During that time Everleigh experienced nothing but love and cuddles at home. She was surrounded by family and friends who did nothing short of spoil her at every opportunity. We truly believe that this time outside of a hospital setting was a gift from God as so many memories were made that we will forever cherish. Eight weeks to the day, Everleigh was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) following several apneic spells that were a result of seizure activity.
Upon admission to the PICU, Everleigh continued to fight. As was the case in the NICU, she continued to surprise and impress her new team of doctors and nurses. It was only in the final days of her life that she indicated to us that she was ready to be with Jesus. Following several conversations with her doctors, the decision was made to selflessly allow our sweet Everleigh to pass on her terms. Everleigh passed peacefully in the arms of her mother and father.
Everleigh held a very special place in everyone’s hearts. She had a way of making perfect strangers fall in love with her instantly. She was born with a fighter’s heart and defied the odds at every opportunity. She loved cuddling in the arms of her family and warming the hearts of anyone around her with her radiant smile and innocent giggle. She will truly be missed by all who followed her journey, both beside her and from afar.
Everleigh's journey impacted so many people's lives. We are forever grateful for the family and friends who have uplifted our daughter and family in prayer from the beginning. We are also eternally grateful for the team of doctors and nurses in both the NICU and PICU who gave our precious daughter a fighting chance. In memory of Everleigh, and in lieu of flowers, we are asking anyone interested to help us raise money for a direct donation to the NICU and PICU at Baylor Scott and White McLane Children's Hospital via the GoFundMe page that we have established at the following link:
https://www.gofundme.com/
embracing-eternity-with-
everleigh
