A Mother’s Instinct, a Daughter’s Health: Carla’s Journey to Find Answers for Olive

When Carla welcomed her daughter, Olive, into the world, she knew she wanted the best for her baby. But from the beginning, something about Olive’s eyes concerned her.

Olive was born at 36 weeks after Carla experienced pregnancy complications. At nearly every well-child visit, Carla raised concerns about Olive’s eyes with her primary care provider. She was repeatedly told that Olive’s eyes might need more time to develop because she was born early.

Carla also took Olive to an eye specialist in the area. There, she received a similar response.

Still, Carla knew something wasn’t right. She continued to seek answers because she trusted what she was seeing in her daughter.

A Home Visitor Who Listened

Carla enrolled in Easterseals Midwest’s Home Visiting program in May 2026, when Olive was just a few months old. The free program gives families in-home support from trained parent educators. They offer parenting guidance, developmental screenings, activities, and resources to help children grow and learn.

During their visits, Parent Educator Jenny Young worked alongside Carla to observe Olive’s development. Together, they focused on how Olive tracked objects with her eyes and responded to visual cues. Jenny also listened to Carla’s concerns and reminded her that she knew her baby best.

Sometimes, supporting a family means helping a parent recognize what they already know. For Carla, having someone listen, take her concerns seriously, and observe Olive’s development alongside her made a significant difference.

Jenny did not have all the answers, but she could stand beside Carla as she continued searching for them.

Keeping Up the Search

Carla kept pushing for answers until she was referred to Children’s Mercy. At that appointment, Olive received a preliminary diagnosis of optic nerve hypoplasia, a condition involving underdevelopment of the optic nerve.

Olive is expected to have an MRI in the coming months. The scan will help her medical team learn more about her condition and determine whether other areas are affected.

There are still questions to answer, but Carla has not stopped advocating for her daughter. She continues to seek information and work toward understanding what Olive needs.

Jenny is proud to walk alongside Carla through this process. The experience has reminded her why home visiting matters: parents need someone who will listen, validate their concerns, and encourage them to keep advocating for their children.

The Power of Showing Up for Families

National Family Caregivers Month recognizes the dedication of people who care for loved ones, and Carla’s story shows how support from a trusted professional can help a parent navigate uncertainty.

Home visitors build relationships with families, observe children’s development, and help parents find the confidence to speak up when something feels wrong. They may not always have the answers, but they can listen, offer support, and encourage families to keep asking questions.

For Carla and Olive, the journey has only just begun. Carla’s determination to find answers, paired with Jenny’s steady support, shows the power of listening to families and helping them move forward.

Because every parent deserves to be heard. And every child deserves an advocate.