A Story Of Hope

IMFK met Nakaa in September of 2022 living in an abandoned building, it was not until March of 2023 that I, Eliesha met her, and our connection was instant. Her birthday is one day after mine, which helped us make that initial connection. Like many friends we serve, Nakaa had braved times without a home and faced substance abuse, but her resilience made her eager to impact positive change and be an example to her community. When I asked her whether she would be willing to stay with one of her children she replied, “I am their mother, I should be taking care of them, not them taking care of me.” Her independence is crystal clear to everyone who knows her. From that point on, Nakaa and IMFK worked intensely with various organizations to better her life. She worked tirelessly no matter how tumultuous the journey often seemed. At the end of July, Nakaa was struck by a vehicle while walking along Old Liverpool Road. CPR was performed, 911 called and the damage to her body was extensive. I visited her often in the hospital to laugh and chat even when she was not able to communicate back. Nakaa is a fighter and day by day her condition improved against all odds, until she was healthy enough to be transferred out of the ICU, defying the very prognosis that was originally given by her team of physicians. Each week, I would visit her, and feel elated by the light I saw in her eyes. Her smile is big and beautiful. Nakaa’s loving family remained at her bedside and we worked conjointly to achieve the outcome we knew Nakaa desired: to be safe and secure. With the help of many thoughtful donations, IMFK was able to support her in her recovery journey by enabling the TV to be turned on for her long stay at the hospital and providing clothing, and shoes, along with some special sweet treats. Most of all we were a supportive presence and advocate when her family was not able to be there. Nakaa is now living with her son out of town advocating for herself and getting better daily. Even though she is no longer on my caseload, we still communicate, and I stay in touch with her family. Nakaa will continue to be an inspiration and example to myself and IMFK of how perseverance can bring about success and healing.