Personal Effects of Infant Mortality- Ketara Drake's Story

Ketara Drake is a recent graduate from the University of Memphis. She is a member of the USAF Air National Gaurd and plans to further her training and explore career opportunities in Public Affairs.
Not only is Ketara a brilliant and successful young woman, but she is also has experienced unfortunate events in her life that many 22 year olds have not. She submitted a story to the March of Dimes Memphis in order to spread the word about infant mortality. She wants everyone to be aware that this situation is REAL and can be changed with your help.

Here is Ketara's Story:

" On June 13, 2010, I found out that I was pregnant and that my due date was March 15, 2011. My family was shocked and a bit upset. I was a junior at the University of Memphis and having a baby at the time just did not fit in well with my future plans. As time went on they became thrilled and excited.

Photo: Ketara (left) during pregnancy
My six-month check-up had arrived on November 5 and we went to find out the gender of the baby. To our surprise, the ultrasound technician told us something was wrong. They didn't want to scare us...but it was too late.

She scheduled us an appointment with a specialist and our worst nightmares were coming true. Dr. BK revealed to us that my baby boy was sick and that he wasn't going to live. So, here I am excited that I now know the gender, but I'm also heartbroken that my little man was going to die.

I began to ask myself what could have caused this? Was this my fault? The doctor explained that it wasn't my fault. I went to all of my doctor's visits and I ate healthy foods, but sometimes things just happen. I felt defeated and betrayed. I did what I was supposed to do and nothing helped.

I continued to go to school full-time and work every night. Even though the pain inside of me was written on my face, I pushed through the next two months. I began to have contractions in January and I knew that this was too early, so my Papa rushed me to the hospital, and the doctor gave me some medicine to stop my labor. I went home that night. The next morning around 5:00 AM the contractions came back. This time I knew he was coming.

Photo: Cameron Antonio Gray

Photo: Ketara, Baby's Father, and Baby Cameron "Little Family"

Cameron Antonio Gray was born at 32 weeks on January 27, 2011 at 1:25 PM and he was pronounced dead an hour later. He came out with his gray eyes opened wide and a little cry came out of his mouth. After Cameron died, I was crying and felt alone. Even though people that loved me surrounded me, I still felt isolated.

Photo: Ketara's Family
My time with him was so limited and so special that I knew I was blessed for the experience. The doctor asked if I wanted to bury Cameron in a special place and I told her just bury him with all the other babies.

Picture: Babyland Burial Grounds

Cameron was buried in Babyland, a burial place that the state has designated for babies. The state takes care of all of the expenses. I felt more comfortable allowing the state to take care of the burial arrangements... I didn't have the strength. I received countless condolence letters from friends and family members. A few days later the health department conducted an interview to discuss my son and informed me that he was now considered a number in the Memphis infant mortality rate. I realized that my son was now another number in the Memphis infant mortality rate.

Although, my son's death was uncontrollable, I learned that so many of those babied buried in Babyland had a fighting chance. According to statistics, an infant dies in Shelby County every 43 hours. My son was one of them. I'm from zip code 38111 (Orange Mound, TN) and I am proud of my community. I know this may come as a shock, but this zip code has the highest infant  mortality rate in the country. I have great friends and family members that were raised in this community, and I believe in this community. I know that this zip cose has an unwritten talent and has undiscovered leaders, and now is the time to inspire others and take your position as a trailblazer.

After Cameron's death, I cried almost every night, but I was determined to inspire others through my loss. I remembered seeing posters up at FedEx about the March of Dimes. I appreciated the fact that they honered babies every year in their March for Babies walk. I had always heard about employees attending this walk and my mother always encouraged me to go even before Cameron's death. So, I knew that this was the year I would walk for Cameron.

Last year in my Public Relations class, I was assigned to work on the March of Dimes campaign and I felt so privilaged. It felt good knowing that the same organization that supports mother's like me now could use my support.

... I'm here to advocate for my son. I saw him fight for his life and die fighting. I here to encourage you to fight for our babies. Fight for those who do not have the strength to fight. On April 28, we will walk. Memphis will walk for our babies.

I have volunteeered my time and the community need you to volunteer your time and change these numbers. They say that experience is the best teacher; well I've shared my experience, so please let my experience be the teacher. ... I grew up in a single mother household with 5 siblings. I have seen the power of education and discipline. I have overcome every obstacle thrown my way. I know the pain you suffer and the fears you have, but I also know that we are stronger than our struggle and we can reduce these numbers by taking advantage of programs offered by the March of Dimes.

Losing my child affected not only me but also my family and friends. I'm trying to prevent you from experiencing this same hurt. I'm giving you my time so please lend me your ears. These are three things I'm asking of you:

1. Use protection at all times. If you fail to protect yourself, then you are planning on accepting the consquences that follow.

2. If you do become pregnant, take care of your health and try to have your baby no earlier than 39 weeks. Research shows that important organs aren't fully developed before 39 weeks. Also, eat healthy, avoid smoking, drinking or intense stress while you're pregnant.

3. Go to the doctor! Seek out and take advantage of all the free prenatal care than the community offers. If you have questions and you can't find the answer, research it and ask someone you trust.

Let's take advantage of the life we were given and let's make a change that makes headlines. "