Our Story
For my husband, Corey, and me, July 1, 2022 represented the most beautiful, and yet simultaneously frightening, day of our lives. This was the day that our strong in spirit, yet meager in size, little miracle baby made her grand entrance into the world. Teagan Ellis Tomko was born nearly three months prior to her due date and came in shy of one pound on the scales; weighing 13.1 ounces
to be precise. From the onset of her earthly debut, we instantly recognized and fell captive to her sweet, strong, and sassy personality. Her life was not one without struggles and was accompanied by a series of surgeries that took a toll on her little body. Despite only living for four-and-a-half months, all of which were in the NICU at both Hillcrest and Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, Teagan taught both Corey and me how to be fighters as being strong for her was the only option we had. Being parents of a NICU baby takes one on an emotional rollercoaster through a journey we hope and pray no parents have to experience in the future. However, we understand that parents are not always able to determine the outcome of their children’s lives, and that unfortunately, parents in the future will be faced with embarking on a similar journey that Corey and I found ourselves on during Teagan’s precious time here on this side of heaven. Since we were so touched by the support provided to us from multiple individuals and organizations over Teagan’s life, we want to pay it forward by helping those parents/families who give birth to premature miracle babies. This year, Teagan’s Everlasting Touch will raise money and help give back to the organizations that were immensely helpful to us through our journey with Teagan.
