The remarkable story of Taylor and Drew Deras is sure to tug at heartstrings – It’s a story of destiny, dedication, and a love that transcends meticulous medical intervention. As night-shift nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the Methodist Women’s Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, their lives were intertwined by shared professional and personal values. Their story means more than the love they share; it’s about a tiny life they saved and showered with selfless compassion. Through their journey, they epitomize libertarian values of individual liberty and personal responsibility, demonstrating the power of private, compassionate individuals making a world of difference.
When Ella, barely able to register a pound on the scale, was admitted to NICU in May 2021, Taylor and Drew were entrusted with her care. The 23-week-old premature baby fought for survival against all odds. Ella was intubated immediately and required blood transfusions. Amidst bouts of hope and despair, Taylor and Drew found purpose beyond their routine.
Ella’s biological mother, who was grappling with personal and economic challenges, had gradually ceased visiting her. As her hospital stay continued, Taylor and Drew created a nurturing cocoon around Ella, ensuring she felt loved and cherished. Despite their busy work schedules, Taylor and Drew nurtured Ella, in addition to ensuring her medical care. As Ella began to show strength, Taylor and Drew grew more concerned about her future.
Their fears were justified when Ella, though thankfully recovering, was declared a ward of the state in December 2021. She was now tied to a system often criticized for failing to provide the nurturing environment that critically ill children need for proper care and recovery.
Fuelled by an abiding love for Ella and a desperate fear of the implications her entering the foster care system may have, Taylor and Drew decided to become her foster parents. As her primary caregivers, Ella’s biological mother was assured that her baby would be looked after by the two who loved her dearly. Following a court approval, it wasn’t long before Ella found solace in her new home in April 2022.
Ella’s relationship with Taylor and Drew forever changed when her mother signed over parent rights to the couple, citing their ability to provide the extensive medical care Ella required. Taylor and Drew’s compassion for Ella was contagious, evident when over forty family members and hospital staff witnessed the monumental moment of Ella’s adoption finalization in November 2023.
Since becoming a Deras, Ella has transformed from a sickly child to a vibrant toddler. Doctors are now optimistic about her tracheostomy being removed in the forthcoming months. Ella’s tenacity is lauded by Taylor who believes Ella’s steadfastness makes her remarkable.
The story of Taylor, Drew, and Ella stands as a testament to the power of love and perseverance. They embody the virtues of individual liberty, personal responsibility, and the indomitable human spirit. Their tale ignites hope, asserting that personal liberty coupled with love and responsibility can overcome daunting challenges and create meaningful, lasting change.
In conclusion, the extraordinary journey of the Deras family accentuates the essential libertarian principles of individual freedom, personal responsibility, and private compassion. Their story is a powerful testament to the adage ‘love conquers all.’ It shows how personal liberty and direct involvement can create significant ripples in the realm of human lives and healthcare, setting an example for others to admire and follow. As the Deras family basks in the joy of having Ella in their lives, the family’s journey echoes a renewed belief in the power of love, conviction, and selflessness, thereby becoming a beacon of inspiration for all.
