“There is a lot of grace in his name and significance after everything we’ve been through,” Newkirk shared. “Chance’s life is truly a testament to his mother’s strength.”
Since Chance’s birth, an outpouring of love and support has surged for the Smith family, including a GoFundMe page setup to help with medical expenses. As of posting, the page has raised over $30,000 of its $50,000 goal.
Yet, as the family rejoices over the small piece of joy they have received, they concurrently strive for clarity. In memory of their beloved Adriana, the Smith and Newkirk families are pushing for clarity in Georgia’s abortion laws to protect future families from the pain they’ve endured.
A civil rights attorney is now working with the family to bring about justice for Adriana and make sure her situation doesn’t become someone else’s reality.
“Adriana’s case highlights the necessity for more clarity and sensitivity around LIFE Act legislation,” the family’s lawyer said. “It’s a travesty that a young pregnant woman’s life was overshadowed by legal ambiguities. We aim to ensure that Adriana’s fight isn’t in vain.”
Moreover, the family is also calling for changes in how hospitals communicate with patients’ families, stating that they often felt left in the dark throughout Adriana’s ordeal.
“Every stage of Adriana’s journey was a battle for information,” Newkirk shared. “We shouldn’t have had to fight to be included in decisions about her care.”
Throughout everything, the Smith and Newkirk families maintain an unwavering faith and an enduring courage in the face of adversity. Their strength and determination reflect the fighting spirit of baby Chance, living proof of Adriana’s resilience.
As her family say their final goodbyes to Adriana, they keep their eyes on the future, envisioning a world where more consideration is given to grieving families navigating complex and heartrending circumstances. As Chance fights his way through the NICU, his tiny, persistent heart serves as a reminder of the remarkable legacy his mother leaves behind and the ongoing fight for clarity in laws affecting families in their most vulnerable moments.
