QUITMAN, Ga. (WALB) — JaMaria Rose-Hendrixson began her journey to motherhood with In vitro fertilization (IVF). After injection after injection, the transfer took. She did everything carefully until the 20-week anatomy scan, when doctors found her cervix opening. She was 100% effaced.

After waiting for a transport that never arrived in Valdosta, her husband drove her nearly two hours to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, where she received an emergency cerclage doctors hoped would last the weekend. It lasted two weeks.

Kylen Josiah Hendrixson was born March 30th, six days after his mother’s birthday and months before his July due date.

“It was bittersweet because I was happy to see him and glad that he was here. And I saw how he was fighting in the NICU,” Hendrixson said. “When he got sick that’s when things kind of went south, more than what I expected it to go.”

After Kylen’s passing in April, Hendrixson said she sat in bed not knowing how to continue, then decided to turn pain into purpose.

“When I got on TikTok I saw that I’m not the only mom and I’m not the only one going through it it. I wanted to be a voice for all of us,” she said.

In June, she founded Kylen’s Wings of Hope Foundation, named for Isaiah 40:31. After research showed Georgia had no statewide recognition, she requested a proclamation. It was approved the same day.

“I was ecstatic when I saw it because it is one of those things that is very much needed in Georgia and there are many families facing the same situations,” she said. “I wanted to do something to represent all of us that are going through, as well as remembering our babies that we lost.”

Kylen’s Wings of Hope Foundation provides resources for expectant parents, education for high-risk pregnancies, and advocacy for pregnancy and infant loss. Since June, the foundation has helped four families.

“I’m still sad, I’m definitely still hurt, I cry a lot but just knowing I have something that I can look forward to and knowing I’m doing for my son and for other families going through it. It helps me, because it’s like he’s here with me guiding me through it,” she said.

Her message to other parents: “You’re not alone... just take it one day at a time.”

Next, Hendrixson plans to host a baby drive collecting gently-used and new baby items to assist families in need, expand support to NICU families, and recruit volunteers.

For donations, volunteer info, and family resources, visit kylenswings.org.

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