photo by Corey Nolen

(L-R) Yoko Brown, Sharell Lawson, Velbranita Smith and Latricia Alexander staff Young Impressions Child Care in Alabaster. The women have formed a strong bond discussing family and faith.

Struggles, children bond Alabaster women

By Cassandra Mickens (Contact) | Alabaster Reporter

Published Wednesday, August 5, 2009

The women who staff Young Impressions Child Care in Alabaster include a two-time breast cancer survivor, two mothers whose children are in cancer remission and one mother whose daughter has fought cystic fibrosis since she was three months old.

Yoko Brown, Latricia Alexander, Velbranita Smith and Sharell Lawson each believe faith brought them to the one-story white house on Seventh Street Southwest, where they care for 37 children ages six weeks to 13. They are more than colleagues. They are confidants.

“God has put us together,” said Brown, a National Board Certified special education teacher who opened Young Impressions in June 2008.

Brown’s three-year-old son, Aidan, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Feb. 6, 2008 – a date Brown will never forget. Four days later on Feb. 10, Aidan went in remission. Aidan today undergoes monthly treatments and bone marrow testing every three months.

“He’s just been our little miracle,” Brown said of Aidan. “He comes out like a champ, like nothing’s wrong.”

“This experience has made us realize what’s really important. When we’re frustrated about little things, we say, “Why are we tripping? Look at him. Look at what he’s been through. What’s wrong with us?’”

Alexander, Lawson and Smith share similar experiences with Brown. Alexander’s 19-year-old daughter, Kristy, was diagnosed with sarcoma in April. Kristy underwent surgery and is now in remission.

Lawson’s 12-year-old daughter, Danielle, has cystic fibrosis and diabetes. Danielle hasn’t been hospitalized in two years.

Smith was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999 and again in 2003. She has been in remission six years.

The women often share stories about their families and find solace in one another. The children they look after at Young Impressions always make them smile.

“We all relate to each other, we all talk to each other and we all know we can depend on each other,” Smith said.

Lawson added, “Everybody cares about everybody. If I need a day off, I know they’re there for me. Working here lets me know there are jobs out there where people care about you and are concerned about your family.”

Alexander said being in an environment where people relate to your life situation makes work easier.

“To be able to go to (Brown) for advice and talk to her about certain things has been a blessing,” Alexander said. “She’s been very helpful.”

The women agree faith, family and friends has and will continue to strengthen their bond.

“You take it as it comes, you go through it and you come out on top,” Alexander said.

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