When Zyana’s son, Zyler, was born on December 28, 2024, at 37 weeks with gastroschisis—meaning his bowels were outside his stomach—she faced the challenges of being away from home. Living in Alexandria, LA, Zyana found comfort and support at the Family Room, which made a world of difference during this difficult time.
“The Family Room gave my family a place to stay and allowed me to visit my baby anytime,” Zyana shared. The space provided more than just a roof over their heads—it became a place where they could feel at ease. With games, toys,
and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the Family Room felt like home, helping to ease some of the stress of their situation.
Zyler underwent two surgeries—one to place his bowels in a silo bag and a second to move them into his abdomen and close it up. During this time, the Family Room provided Zyana with a space to stay close to her son, offering both physical and emotional support throughout his recovery.
When asked how the Family Room staff and volunteers helped, Zyana said, “They let me express how I was feeling.” This emotional support, along with the genuine care she received, was something Zyana didn’t expect but was incredibly grateful for. “What surprised me the most was how caring and loving everyone was.”
Zyana’s most special memory was the bond she created with the staff. “My experience at the Family Room
was great. I loved how they treated me and my family as their own, and the support they showed me
proved that they really cared for my baby.”
For Zyana, the Family Room wasn’t just a place to stay—it was a place of comfort, care, and community,
providing a sense of peace during a time of uncertainty. 💙