Louisiana Baby Is Born Partially Paralyzed after Mom Was Shot during Pregnancy – Family Asks for Help

A couple was excitedly awaiting the birth of their precious baby girl. However, while the mom was 37 weeks pregnant, something tragic happened—and it changed life as they knew it forever.

The famous New Orleans trumpeter Kermit Ruffins was excited to welcome a child into the world with his girlfriend, Harmonese Pleasant. He never imagined the heart-shattering circumstances his baby girl would be born in.

While Harmonese spoke on the phone outside her house, her worst nightmare came true unexpectedly and unfairly. A shot was fired and hit the mom-to-be in her stomach. It was a moment that would have far-reaching consequences.

The Tragic Incident

The horrific and violent shooting occurred on March 24, 2022, and forced baby Blossom's premature birth. She was welcomed via a vertical emergency c-section as doctors worked hard to save the baby and Harmonese.

It was a challenging time for the family but there was a silver lining amid the pain and heartbreak. The baby's position in her mother's stomach was miraculous.

After her birth, Blossom was rushed to New Orleans Children's Hospital and spent weeks in the NICU. The infant's feeding and breathing were monitored around the clock, and her parents were devastated when they received shocking news.

Their Lives Were Turned Upside Down

Doctors shared that there was a chance baby Blossom would be paralyzed. Her mother, who also had to fight to survive, was emotional and saddened that an act of violence had turned their lives upside down.

Mom Harmonese spent a week in the hospital and didn't have a chance to see her newborn until she was discharged.

A Miracle amid the Pain

It was a challenging time for the family, but there was a silver lining amid the pain and heartbreak. The baby's position in her mother's stomach was miraculous. Kermit said:

"Blossom saved Harmonese’s life because the bullet hit her stomach and the baby’s spine. If the baby wasn’t here, Harmonese wouldn’t have made it."

The Aftermath of the Ordeal

The unfortunate event has left baby Blossom with an unimaginable amount of injuries and a long road to recovery. Medical personnel fear that the child will have limited mobility from her belly button downward, and her hospital bill is already over $60,000.

Her parents are in the process of building a home that will have all the specifications Blossom might need in the future. They have reached out to the public with a desperate plea for assistance.

They started a GoFundMe page, and by October 7, more than $23,000 had been raised. On their page, they wrote:

"With your help, we can raise enough for the medical bills. The Ruffins & Pleasant families sincerely appreciate all your support!"

The Baby Is a Fighter

Only time will tell how baby Blossom will progress and heal. Her mother is hoping for a miracle and praying for her daughter's full recovery, knowing she will live a beautiful life no matter what.

Their little girl is a fighter; every day she interacts with her parents, she is full of joy and shows improvements. Her dad said:

"She wakes up with the biggest smile, every day. I don’t know if it is because I’m so ugly or not, she looks at me and just has this big smile, and her cheeks swell up every morning."

The family said everybody that met Blossom loved her, and they were excited to see what the future had in store for their little girl. Her dad added:

"She'll be playing trumpet, piano, and guitar. Look for [her] on stage in about eight years."

We send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the family and hope they get the miracle they are hoping for. Keep fighting, brave little girl!

Click here for a story about a Chicago family on their way to church. It was an ordinary Sunday, and nobody foresaw that the unthinkable was about to occur.