Parenting Through Medical Uncertainty: Heather & Remington’s Story

Before I sat down with Heather and Remington, I knew the general outline of their story: they had a daughter, faced some medical challenges, and wanted to raise awareness. But what I didn’t expect was how deeply their love for each other, and for their daughter Maylin, would crack me wide open.

It wasn’t just the diagnosis that hit me — it was the waiting. The not knowing. The part where Heather said she was scared to put her baby to sleep at night because she didn’t know if she’d wake up.

There were so many moments in this interview that gutted me. But what stuck with me most was the moment Heather said:"She didn’t ask to be here. So I’ll do whatever I have to do."

That’s the kind of raw, maternal devotion that can’t be faked. And it’s what carried them through a nightmare most of us could never imagine.

Meet Heather & Remington

Heather and Remington had the kind of love story you’d expect to see in a rom-com. They met on Tinder, both teachers, clicked instantly, and talked for five hours on their first date. Marriage came a few years later, and soon after that, they were ready to grow their family.

When Heather became pregnant with their daughter, Maylin, everything looked normal. A healthy pregnancy. No red flags. She went on maternity leave and started counting down to full term.

But just days into that leave, Heather noticed Maylin wasn’t moving as much. She listened to her gut and called the doctor. Within hours, she was having an emergency C-section.

Maylin was born at 36 weeks — premature but seemingly healthy. No NICU stay. No signs of what was coming.

Everything felt okay. Until it didn’t.

“Something’s Not Right…”

At five months old, Heather noticed Maylin was only reaching for toys with her left hand. At first, she brushed it off — maybe she’s just left-handed, no big deal. But something in her gut wouldn’t quiet down.

She Googled it. (We’ve all done it.) And that’s when the red flags showed up: hand dominance before age 2 can be a sign of neurological issues.

She brought it up to their pediatrician, who immediately ordered a CT scan. What followed was a nightmare loop of tests, vague results, and months of waiting.

Fluid in her brain. Possibly a stroke.But no MRI. No answers.Just waiting.

And then, the spasms started.

Heather noticed Maylin doing strange facial movements. Then jerking after naps. Her eyes darted to the side. It didn’t look like a seizure, but it didn’t look normal either. She recorded the episodes and showed her doctor.

The result? Infantile spasms. A rare, often misdiagnosed, neurological emergency.

And then, finally, came the MRI.The truth. Maylin had suffered a perinatal stroke — most likely the day she was born.

3 Things I Learned About Parenting Through Medical Uncertainty

• Your gut is louder than fear. Heather knew something was wrong even when no one else could see it. And thank God she listened.

• You’ll do impossible things for your child. Quit your job. Go into debt. Start over. None of it feels optional when your baby needs you.

• Support is everything. Whether it’s a therapist who celebrates small wins or a partner who holds you while you cry — no one should walk this path alone.

What Strength Really Looks Like

Heather walked away from a career she loved — seven years teaching third grade — because her daughter needed her full-time. The decision wasn’t easy, but it was clear. “I have to do this for her,” she told me.

They ran out of money.They maxed out credit cards.They couldn’t afford groceries.

But they still showed up. Four appointments a week. Physical therapy. Occupational therapy. Play therapy. A patch over one eye to strengthen the other. Every single thing that might give Maylin a better shot — they did it.

And in the middle of all that, they still found joy.Walks as a family. Goofy laughs. Disneyland passes they probably couldn’t afford, but desperately needed.

Because joy is resistance.Because their daughter deserves more than just survival.She deserves a full, happy life.

And she’s already living one — even if it doesn’t look like anyone else’s.

Why This Story Matters

One of the most powerful things Heather said in our conversation was:

“She has no voice. We are her voice.”

That’s it. That’s the core of parenting through medical uncertainty. It’s not just about navigating appointments and diagnoses. It’s about becoming a full-time advocate when the system fails to move fast enough. It’s about fighting for someone who can’t fight for themselves yet.

And it’s also about empathy.Remington said this experience changed the way he sees his students, his coworkers, and strangers at the grocery store.Because now, he knows: everyone is going through something.

You don’t have to be a parent to connect with this story. You just have to be human.

Listen to the Full Episode

This one stayed with me long after we finished recording.If you’ve ever felt alone in your parenting journey… if you’ve ever had to fight for someone you love… or if you just want to hear what real strength sounds like — this story is for you.

🎧 Listen to For The Hayters on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

📺 Watch the full video episode on YouTube

💬 Share this post with a friend who needs to feel less alone

And if you know someone who needs to hear this, share it with them.Because we’re not meant to do this alone.