Today we’d like to introduce you to Marquila Turner.
Marquila, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Nine years ago December 30, 2009 I gave birth to my first son Eric Jr. He lived for an hour. During my pregnancy, my sonograms showed he had an enlarged heart, enlarged kidneys, no abdominal fluid that caused his lungs to not fully developed. I left the hospital with little to no explanation. August 2017, I found out I was pregnant with my second son Cameron Turner. At 26 weeks, my sonogram showed my son Cameron kidneys were large and low abdominal fluid. I was admitted into the hospital a week before Christmas to monitor my son fluids and heart rate. I was genetic tested and it came back my son had ARPKD(Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease) is a rare genetic disorder that is inherit by the parents that carry the PKHD1 gene. At 33 weeks, I had another sonogram and my son kidneys and stomach gotten larger so at 37 weeks my doctors and I decided my son Cameron had to be delivered. February 22, 2018 I gave birth to my second son Cameron Turner and he lived for 11 hours. I have been in deep depression and very angry feeling alone and no one understands me. I started praying and going back to church and I feel good, my strength was back but stronger than before. I’m at peace and God is healing my heart. I owe it all to Him. I tried to get through this journey alone but failed. I talk to God because He understands me, He was and is still with me so I’m never alone. I’m who I am today because of God.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. I have days where I’m ok, days where I just want to be alone. “You don’t get over grief, you learn to live with it.” That quote I use because it’s true.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Quila’s Angels story. Tell us more about the business.
Mid-January 2018 I created a blog called Quila’s Angels for parents who lose a baby or child to come for comfort, support, and healing. I know how it felt to not have someone to talk to or someone who doesn’t understand. Talking to other parents who have experienced a loss is comforting, helpful, understanding and healing. I want to reassure them and help them understand they’re not alone. Also, the platform of Quila’s Angels is utilize for all grieving the loss of their child in order to share their story and to facilitate each voice to be heard to help foster an environment of healing and support. Also, bring awareness to PKD and help find a cure so others won’t go through what I’m going through. I’m most proud of as a company is knowing my story and blog is helping other parents tell their story. I believe that our stories can and will help someone else. May 11, 2018 I had my 1st Annual Angel Moms Brunch and it was a brunch for moms who lose a baby or child to come together and eat, share our stories/ experiences, play games and much more. We had an awesome time. I wanted to do something for us because we matter and deserve something special every year. I plan on doing it every year. What sets me apart from everyone else is I don’t give up. Raising awareness and telling your story is important and I want other mothers to not give up. Everything I’m doing is not only for my sons but other mothers angel babies too.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I wouldn’t say either I’m just grateful to be able to help other parents through their grief journey and they are helping me through mine. We have each other to lean on. Through difficult times in life you need that support system but not everyone have one. I didn’t have much support after my second son passed away and I’m just trying to make sure other parents have that comfort and support.
Contact Info:
- Website: quilasangels.com
- Email: quilasangels@gmail.com
- Instagram: infant_loss
- Facebook: Quila’s Angels
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