Smile!

I know I've mentioned it before, but there's just something about Ramsey's smile. I've heard many parents of CDH kids say the same thing. Recently, I came across a CDH survivor who not only shares that same bright smile, but she recreates them too. Laycee Renae Haines is an artist who puts a smile on the face of each subject, and each admirer of her artwork. Her mission? To make people happy! Laycee adds an extra-special touch to portraits of those who have joined their Father in Heaven- a bright yellow sun. Why you might ask? Because, Laycee says, "When you go to Heaven....you get a sun."

You can view Laycee's artwork at her Facebook page, Laycee Originals.  She would LOVE for you to "LIKE" her page and she especially enjoys fulfilling orders for portraits. I ordered portraits of Reed and Ramsey and they now decorate our once empty playroom walls! I smile each time I see them!

Laycee's artwork in her orthopedic surgeon's office

Reed's Portrait

Ramsey's Portrait

Here's Laycee's story as shared on her Facebook Page:

Laycee was born with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (meaning her diaphragm did not form completely, allowing her organs, including her liver to move up into her chest). This particular defect occurs in approximately 1 out of every 2,500 births. Only 50% of infants born with CDH will survive to go home and, many of them will have health problems throughout their lives. Because of her CDH, Laycee's lungs did not develop and, in order to save her life, she was immediately placed on ECMO (a heart-lung bypass machine). She remained on ECMO for a total of 21 days. During that time her hernia was repaired and, unfortunately, she suffered a massive stroke destroying a large portion of the left side of her brain.

The prognosis for her neurological outcome was grim. One physician even went so far as to say, "She will just stare at the walls."

Laycee proved to be a fighter. She learned to walk and talk by the age of 3 and, with the help of a wonderful teacher, she learned to read. Her academic skills are limited; however, she has the confidence and the spirit of a lion.

Until approximately 2 years ago, Laycee could not write or draw. She performed most of her school work either on the computer or verbally. One day, she presented her Mom with a picture. It was a face....crude, but a face nonetheless. From that point on, her artistic endeavors took off. She began drawing everyone she knew and, with each portrait, her skills improved. At this time, Laycee has drawn over 300 portraits ~ all the same, yet different. She draws them according to specific information provided by the subject.

Her artwork is currently displayed in medical clinics throughout North Texas (including Wichita Falls, Grapevine, Fort Worth, and Dallas).

Please join us in celebrating this amazing person and her beautiful spirit. Although she has struggled with serious health issues since birth, she sees life through innocent eyes and with a pure soul.