It’s incredible what becoming a mother does to your intuition. Your awareness is heightened, your connection to another human being is something that can’t be described, and above all else, you’ll do anything to keep your child safe.
That couldn’t be more true for a Wyoming, Illinois, mother whose quick thinking and love for her daughter saved her 12-day-old baby’s life this week. Those in her community as well as across the country are calling 21-year-old mother Shelby Ann Carter a hero.
On January 30, firefighters received a call about a house fire. By the time first responders got to the home, which Shelby shared with her mother, the 21-year-old was deceased in a second-story bedroom. She died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
They were surprised to find her baby wasn’t with her.
The infant, Keana Davis, was found on top of a pile of debris, safely strapped into her carseat. She had been dropped from a second story window that Shelby broke to save her daughter’s life.
Even in the most life-threatening circumstances, and with an incredibly limited amount of time, Shelby had the presence of mind to quickly strap her into the carseat.
Other than a minor burn, the infant was completely unharmed. Responders took her to the hospital in good condition, and released her shortly after.
Chief of the Wyoming-Speer Fire Protection District Ed Foglesonger said:
“It’s just incredible that she was able to pull her thoughts together to save her baby… I’d say it’s nothing short of a miracle the way it ended up.”
Friends and family of the young mom are mourning the loss of their loved one, whose greatest joy was motherhood.
Her aunt Kathy Carter said, “Shelby was so proud of this beautiful baby girl.”
The community has come alongside the Carter family and their “Beautiful Miracle” by setting up a GoFundMepage to help them rebuild and care for their newest little family member. They have been overwhelmed by the support they’ve received. In just over a week, their $40,000 goal was already exceeded.
Our prayers are with Shelby’s family as they mourn the loss of this warrior mama bear whose final act proved just how great her love was for her baby girl. ❤️
See more from Shelby’s heroic story in the CNN video below: