Today we’d like to introduce you to Shuanta Renae Woods.
The Deja’ King Foundation, LLC was birthed out of place for which it allows us to give back to the community while enhancing the lives of others. Although the trunk party began as a way to celebrate the life of Deja, it will now and forever commemorate her legacy. Through her life and death, a vision was birthed to ensure that she remained in the hearts and minds of the community forever.
On July 19, 1997, Deja’ King was born a healthy 6lbs 7oz baby. At the age of six months, Deja’ was diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis. This is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The prognosis for this pneumococcal meningitis is poor. Statistics show that 1 in 5 people who develop this condition will die. Deja’ was on a ventilator for 16 days, remained in the hospital for 18 days, and was given a life expectancy of one year.
As a result, she was left with multiple disabilities, which include: seizure disorder, characteristics of cerebral palsy and encephalitis. Medical professionals said that if she did more than what they expected her to do it would be a miracle. She has been a fighter since her diagnosis. She graduated from Spain Park High School in May of 2015. However, she continued to go under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) until age 21.
Since Deja’ was unable to attend college. The trunk party initiative was created in her honor by her mother. It provides essential items to deserving high-school seniors heading to college. The Deja’ King College Trunk Party has provided Items for over 100 high school graduates.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In the middle of every difficulty or challenge lies opportunity. This life is filled with obstacles and/or challenges and our response is vital to our emotional and even physical well-being. The road has not been easy, but God never said it would be… He said He would be there for us to help us navigate it as long as we seek Him. Raising Deja and my daughter Jada single-handedly shaped my life’s purpose. I learned early that God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers and when I look back over my life in general, I realize He must think the world of me.
When I decided to have the first trunk party, it was going to be a one-year deal and honestly, it was to help ME through the void I was feeling of not preparing to send my first-born to school. It was a way to keep me from being depressed and engaging in a pity-party and it worked! But little did I know his plans, ways, or thoughts are not ours. God knew that was only the beginning. I just didn’t get the memo… we plan, He laughs. As a result, the one-time trunk party shifted into the Deja King Foundation. The shift meant GROWTH… it meant trusting others to come through to make this happen. Please understand this in itself was a challenge because I have always been self-reliant. Acquiring sponsors and partnerships, getting people to actually apply, organizing the trunk party while still serving as Deja’s primary caregiver until she took her last breath was also a challenge. However, I’ve learned to count it all joy and recognize the importance of shifting perspective. We have a choice, we can see the struggle as a stumbling block or a stepping stone, and I continue to choose the latter.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Deja’ King Foundation – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Giving is not just about making a donation. It’s about making a difference. The Deja King Foundation is about making an impact in the lives of high school graduates that will outlast the tangible gifts in which they receive as they head off to college for the first time. We specialize in making our winners recognize the greatness that lies within each of them. We specialize in letting them know they are special and important.
We set ourselves apart because we aren’t just gifting random items… it’s personalized… every detail is centered around what they like. We take the time to meet with each winner prior to purchasing the bulk of the items. We learn their favorite colors, style, family history. We get up close and personal to make this an unbelievable experience. Every detail is centered around them. We actually get to know them and as a result, year after year, they come back to help make a difference in the lives of the new recipients. As a result, the experience is better every year because they all learn the importance of making a difference and in the words of Tyler Perry, helping someone else cross.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Is to bless as many students and families as I can to make a difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: bit.ly/dejaking
- Phone: 2052019475
- Email: dejakingfoundation@gmail.com
- Facebook: Deja King Foundation LLC
Image Credit:
Star Photography
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