I have spent more than four decades as a TV anchor and a lifetime as a storyteller. I have reported on wars and weddings, disasters and miracles, joy that lifts the soul and tragedy that leaves it hollow. But nothing—nothing—has pierced my heart like the life of Randa Ragland. Randa is not famous. She is not powerful. She is not wealthy. She is a mother. And sometimes, that is the hardest role on earth.
This is Randa Ragland and her 10-year-old son, Jaxen 🎗️. Jaxen is autistic, non-verbal, and has spent much of his short life fighting stage 4 neuroblastoma. For years, Randa has lived in a cycle of hope and heartbreak—treatment after treatment, each one followed by the same cruel outcome. The cancer always returned. Stronger. Louder. More relentless. Now, tumors rest on Jaxen’s spine and his head. Doctors have exhausted every option. There is no cure left. Only time, tenderness, and love 🕊️.
Randa lives in public housing in Alabama, raising her children alone. Her world is made of survival—counting dollars, stretching strength, choosing courage when exhaustion begs her to stop. Their car is broken. Hospital trips are difficult. Every day feels heavy, like carrying a future she never asked for 🚗💔. And yet, she keeps going, because Jaxen still needs her. Because mothers don’t quit, even when their hearts are splintering.
Last night, Randa sent me a message through tears. She didn’t ask for sympathy. She didn’t ask for attention. She didn’t ask for miracles. She asked for prayers. For comfort. For peace. For the hope that her son is not afraid as she feels they are nearing the end.
One sentence stopped me cold:
👉 “Thank you for reaching out. It gave me a little faith tonight. Maybe God does still hear me.” 🙏
Imagine carrying that weight. Loving so fiercely while preparing to let go. Holding your child close while knowing you cannot protect them from what comes next. No parent should ever have to practice saying goodbye to their child. No mother should have to measure time in breaths and heartbeats.
Today, Randa’s story is not about tragedy alone—it is about resilience. It is about a woman who has given everything she has, even when life gave her nothing in return. It is about quiet faith, trembling but still alive. It is about love that refuses to disappear, even at the edge of unbearable loss.
Please pause today.
🤍 Pray for Jaxen
🤍 Pray for Randa and her children
🤍 Share their story
🤍 Give if your heart feels led
Sometimes we can’t change the ending. But we can change how alone someone feels while walking toward it. Let’s show Randa Ragland that her life—and her love—matter. 🕯️❤️