This Mother’s Day, we are honored to highlight the strength and resilience of Alyssah, whose pregnancy journey led her to the Fetal Health Center at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.
Alyssah was just 19 years old when she learned her daughter, Luna, had myelomeningocele spina bifida, Chiari II malformation and a horseshoe kidney.
“I remember everything going silent,” she said. “I didn’t even know any of these conditions existed. Despite the diagnosis my decision was immediate. I knew I was keeping her.”
Throughout her journey, the care team provided constant compassion and support.
“They were always there no matter what,” she said. “They listened, they comforted me. I cried in front of them more times than I can count, and there was never any judgment. They would hug me and tell me it was going to be okay — and in those moments, that’s exactly what I needed.”
She said the team ensured she never felt alone or uncertain.
“They always checked in and made sure I was set. They never let you leave with unanswered questions, and if you did, you knew you had someone to call. As a first-time mom at 19, I had so many questions but was afraid to ask. They always reminded me there’s no such thing as a dumb question. It’s better to ask than to struggle silently.”
As part of her plan of care, Alyssah was given the opportunity to undergo in-utero surgery in Houston, Texas. In April 2025, she had fetal surgery to repair Luna’s spine. Recovery was difficult, requiring her to rely on others in ways she never had before. After weeks of healing, Luna began to show incredible progress.
“Before surgery, she barely moved. After, she was active and growing — she was thriving.”
Alyssah was flown from Manhattan, Kansas, to Overland Park by HCA Midwest Health’s Maternal and Fetal Transport Team to prepare for Luna’s birth. On June 3, 2025, Luna was born at 34 weeks, weighing 3 pounds, 12 ounces. She spent over a month in the NICU, overcoming challenges with breathing and feeding before going home in July.
“I was meant to be a mom — but more importantly, I was meant to be Luna’s mom. Luna continues to grow stronger every day. She is a happy, feisty and loving baby who enjoys the outdoors, cuddles and making everyone laugh. She is the toughest girl I know.”