Everly's Story

Jenny and Hal eagerly anticipated the arrival of their daughter, filled with the dreams and hopes that all parents hold for their children. When Everly arrived, she was met with immense love and joy. Those precious first few days were filled with the wonder of new life, tiny fingers and toes, and the profound connection between a parent and child.

However, life took an unexpected and heartbreaking turn. Everly faced medical challenges that, despite the dedicated care of the NICU staff, ultimately led to her passing on January 21, 2018. The loss was unimaginable, a pain that no parent should ever have to endure.

In the midst of their grief, Jenny and Hal were deeply touched by the outpouring of kindness and support they received from their community, friends, and even the medical professionals who cared for Everly. Small gestures of compassion made a significant difference during their darkest hours. It was this experience that planted the seed for ForEverly Changed.

As Jenny reflects, “Starting a non-profit in memory of Everly has been on my heart since 2018. I wasn’t sure what it would look like, but I knew God would guide me in the right direction.” This heartfelt desire to honor Everly’s memory by helping others became the driving force behind the organization’s creation in 2023.

Even in her short time, Everly left an indelible mark on those around her. Heather DeVore, who was the admitting nurse when Everly was born, poignantly remembers the impact of those first few hours. She delivered a tongue depressor with Everly’s tiny footprints to Jenny, a tangible reminder of the precious life that had touched her heart. These footprints now serve as a powerful symbol of the lasting impact even the smallest lives can have.

Through ForEverly Changed, Everly’s legacy lives on. The organization embodies the love and compassion that surrounded her family in their time of need. By providing financial assistance for funeral expenses and offering handmade burial gowns, ForEverly Changed extends a hand of support to other families in West Texas who are navigating the devastating reality of infant loss.

Everly’s story is a testament to the enduring power of love and the profound impact of a life, however brief. It is the inspiration behind our commitment to providing comfort, dignity, and hope to families who have been forever changed. Her memory serves as a constant reminder of the importance of community, compassion, and the need to support one another during life’s most challenging moments.