Congratulations its a…
I remember the first time I got the call about Sandy. She was a 19-year-old young mother from Cincinnati, Ohio, who was in a state of absolute panic. She had already given birth to a little girl, Amanda, at the age of 16, and now she found herself pregnant again. She had no family support, no stable income, and worst of all, no hope. When Sandy called, she was terrified of being discovered by her family, knowing they would turn their backs on her if they found out she was pregnant again.
Sandy wasn’t just scared—she was desperate. I’ll never forget when she admitted to me that she had tried drinking bleach in hopes of ending her pregnancy. Hearing that shook me to my core. She was overwhelmed, confused, and so close to making irreversible decisions. But I also knew, deep down, that Sandy didn’t really want to end it all—she just didn’t see any other way out.
That’s when I knew we had to step in. Project Cuddle offered her a lifeline, and I invited her to come stay with us in California. I wanted her to know she wasn’t alone and that there was a path forward, even if it felt impossible in that moment.
A Safe Haven in California
When Sandy arrived in California with her little girl Amanda, she was like a deer caught in headlights. I could see the fear and uncertainty in her eyes the moment I met her at the train station. She was young, tiny, and clearly weighed down by everything she had been through. But I also saw a spark of hope, something that told me she wanted a better life for herself and Amanda—she just didn’t know how to get there yet.
Our home was probably a bit of a culture shock for her. I have a big family, and the house is always filled with noise, laughter, and activity. It’s the kind of warm, loving environment that Sandy had never really experienced. Raised in foster care, she never had the stability or guidance that most of us take for granted.
Amanda, Sandy’s little girl, was a sweet but wild thing. She had grown up on a steady diet of candy and soda because that’s all Sandy knew to give her. I remember the first time I tried to introduce Amanda to healthier foods—it didn’t go over well at all. There were tantrums, refusals, and cries for candy, but I knew that it wasn’t just about the food. This was a battle for a better life, and I was determined to help them both get there.
The Avocado Seed of Change
One of the most memorable moments with Sandy was when I introduced her to avocados. She had never seen one before, and she was completely fascinated by the huge seed inside. I helped her place the seed in water, explaining how with patience and care, it would grow into a tree. It was such a simple thing, but in many ways, it mirrored Sandy’s own journey. Just like that little seed, Sandy needed care, time, and support to grow into the woman and mother she was capable of becoming.
There was something beautiful about watching Sandy nurture that seed. It was as if she was finally starting to believe that growth, change, and new beginnings were possible for her, too.
Helping Sandy Find Her Strength
Over time, I began to see a change in Sandy. She was still scared, but she was also starting to trust—trust in herself, in me, and in the process of building a better future. She started to open up about her fears, her past, and her hopes for Amanda and the new baby.
Sandy didn’t have any real parenting experience or role models, so much of what she was doing with Amanda was what she had learned through sheer survival. But that’s the thing about Sandy—she was a survivor. I wanted to help her see that she didn’t just have to survive; she could thrive.
One of the hardest conversations we had was about what she wanted to do with the baby. For a while, she was leaning toward making a decision that could have deeply affected her and Amanda’s future. But with time, support, and lots of conversations, Sandy realized that she could make it work. It wasn’t going to be easy, but she was strong enough to take on the challenge.
The Day That Changed Everything
When Sandy went into labor, I could see the mix of emotions she was feeling—fear, relief, and hope. She had come such a long way since that first phone call, and now here she was, about to bring a new life into the world. I held her hand through the contractions, encouraging her with every push. It was a powerful moment, not just for her but for me too. Watching her become a mother all over again, but this time with more strength, confidence, and determination, was a reminder of why we do what we do at Project Cuddle.
When her baby was finally born, it was like a new chapter had opened in her life. She held her newborn with such love and relief. This time, it wasn’t a burden—it was a gift. And more importantly, it was a gift that she was ready to embrace.
The Next Steps: Sandy’s Journey Continues
Sandy has come such a long way since that first frantic call. After the baby was born, Project Cuddle continued to support her as she transitioned into the next phase of her life. We helped her get her GED and set up childcare so she could attend trade school. I’m so proud to say that Sandy has since married and is doing just fine. She’s built a stable, loving home for Amanda and her new child, and her life has transformed in ways she never thought possible.
And here’s one of my favorite parts of her story: remember that little avocado seed she placed in water? Well, it grew into a tree, and today, that tree stands tall in the backyard of the home she and her husband recently purchased. It’s such a beautiful symbol of how far Sandy has come—how she, too, has grown from a scared, lost young girl into a strong, capable mother and woman.
Closing Thoughts
Sandy’s story is just one of many that we’ve had the honor of being a part of at Project Cuddle. Every life we touch reminds us of the power of support, love, and second chances. Sandy’s resilience and determination to change her story are what inspire me to continue this work, day in and day out.
Join Us in Making a Difference
If you or someone you know is feeling scared or unsure about a pregnancy, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Project Cuddle. We’re here to listen, support, and provide safe, non-judgmental guidance. Whether you need information on safe surrender, options, or just someone to talk to, we’re ready to help you make informed and legal decisions. You are not alone, and your call will always be confidential. Let us be a resource for you—call our office today or use our hotline if you need immediate assistance.
Tune in next month, and there will be more to come.
Hugs & Cuddles.
-Debbie Magnuson, The Baby Saver