Roshaunda Carr stepped onto the stage at University High School's graduation ceremony on May 23 in Waco, Texas, to honor her daughter, Jakayla Gardner Carr, who passed away from epilepsy in October 2024. Dressed in a cap and gown, Carr accepted her daughter's diploma in a poignant tribute, blending pride with profound grief.
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"It's bittersweet," Carr told Fox 8 News. "Jakayla was the first of her siblings to graduate. Today brings a flood of emotions."
The ceremony marked a milestone Jakayla, a senior, never reached. Carr described her daughter as a vibrant spirit, likely "doing a silly dance" in celebration from beyond.
Heartbreaking Loss
Jakayla, 18, battled epilepsy since age 11, enduring weekly seizures. On Oct. 6, 2024, Carr texted her daughter to remind her to take her medication. Later that morning, she found Jakayla lifeless in her bed, having succumbed to a seizure in her sleep.
"I wish she were here," Carr told KWTX. "Not a day goes by that it doesn't hurt."
The loss left Carr grappling with "a ball of emotions," as she shared with reporters. Yet, she channels her grief into preserving Jakayla's legacy, determined to transform her pain into purpose.
Accepting Diploma, Building Legacy
Carr is launching a nonprofit, Kayla's Place 19, to support the epilepsy community. The organization aims to provide a haven with counseling and medical support for those affected by the condition. "I want to create a space where people can relax and forget their struggles, even for a moment," Carr told KWTX. "Too often, epilepsy defines them, and they give up."
The nonprofit will offer resources and community for those navigating the challenges of epilepsy, a condition that affects millions. Carr's vision reflects her daughter's resilience and her own commitment to helping others. "Jakayla would be proud," she said.
By walking in her daughter's place, Carr not only honored Jakayla's memory but also took the first steps toward a brighter future for others. Her efforts through Kayla's Place 19 promise to keep Jakayla's spirit alive, offering hope and support to a community in need.
