Introduction: When Life Changes in an Instant
LaShawn Toney thought she had life figured out. Married with four kids, she knew the routine—school pickups, teenage moods, big family dinners, and the chaos that somehow still felt like peace. But when her youngest daughter, Jorgia, was born, everything changed. And not just once.
What began as a joyful answered prayer—a second chance at raising a little girl—quickly became a journey marked by unexpected diagnoses, emotional exhaustion, and a kind of strength no parent ever anticipates needing.
LaShawn’s story unfolds through honesty, faith, frustration, and a love that continues to grow deeper through every challenge.
Before Jorgia: A Full House and a Lot of Love
Before Jorgia, life was busy but beautiful. LaShawn and her husband had been together for over 15 years, raising four children. Two of her sons had ADD, and while that came with its own set of challenges—doctor visits, IEPs, medications—LaShawn handled it all with the strength many mothers carry quietly.
“We were just a regular, you know, normal family… just going through life.”
The family was everything. They made time for trips to Disneyland and Magic Mountain, shared movie nights, and gathered around the table for big meals—meals LaShawn still made even after the older kids moved out.
Still, something in her heart told her one chapter wasn’t complete. She wanted another little girl—a second chance to be present in the ways youth and circumstance had once made difficult. And then, Jorgia arrived.
Answered Prayers and a Sudden Diagnosis
“We were just over the moon. It was like God really did hear me.”
LaShawn was ecstatic. Jorgia was her answered prayer. But only a week after bringing her newborn home, she received a phone call that stopped everything.
Jorgia had cystic fibrosis.
“I didn’t know what it was. I just remember asking, ‘Is she going to die?’”
Suddenly, LaShawn’s world became filled with medical terms, research, and terrifying statistics. She learned cystic fibrosis affected all of Jorgia’s major organs and had no cure. The weight of that knowledge was heavy—but she pushed forward.
Still, something else was happening. Something deeper. Something no one could fully explain—yet.
When Autism Entered the Picture
As Jorgia got older, LaShawn started noticing the signs.
“She wasn’t meeting milestones. She wasn’t pushing up. When I’d stand her, her legs would fold.”
She took Jorgia to the Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC) for an evaluation. At first, they told her Jorgia was just “a little delayed.” But LaShawn trusted her instincts. A year later, she brought Jorgia back. This time, the truth came out.
“That’s when they diagnosed her with autism.”
Severe autism. Non-verbal. Completely dependent. And once again, LaShawn’s world shifted.
“I always say—I had to become Jorgia to understand Jorgia.”
Dark Days, Tough Hospitals, and Fighting to Be Heard
The road ahead was hard. Jorgia’s outbursts were intense—especially in public places like doctors’ offices and emergency rooms. Screaming, ripping out IVs, flipping over trash cans—LaShawn faced it all, often alone and misunderstood.
“They don’t see the full picture… She’s already sick, she’s autistic, and we’re sitting in a waiting room for hours.”
Her repeated pleas for understanding eventually led to change. Through her persistence and the work of others, Valley Children’s Hospital adopted George’s Law, a system that helps prioritize autistic children for care to reduce traumatic waiting experiences.
“That was growth—not just for me, but for the autism community.”
But the emotional weight didn’t go away. LaShawn opened up about the toll it took.
“There were times I felt like I hated my daughter… hated myself… hated God.”
In those darkest moments, she thought about giving up. Walking away. Leaving it all behind. But she didn’t.
“What kept me was family. My husband. My other kids. They had my back.”
And over time, her anger turned into something else.
“It wasn’t my daughter I hated. It was autism. And I wasn’t angry at God. He was carrying me the whole time.”
Meet Jorgia: The Diva With a Tablet and a Taste for Spaghetti
Now 14, Jorgia is full of personality. She’s strong-willed, playful, and knows exactly what she wants.
“She loves rap music… not the clean version either.”
Her daily requests are simple but consistent: oatmeal in the morning, spaghetti by dinner, and apple juice all day long. She’s not a fan of dolls or traditional toys—instead, she prefers her tablet, music, and lately, books.
“She’ll say, ‘Read to me, read to me.’ She loves it.”
She also keeps a close eye on her family. She doesn’t like it when her brother gets yelled at. She protects the dog. She makes her presence known—and loved.
Therapies, Resources, and the Ones Who Showed Up
LaShawn credits a strong network for helping her get through the hardest moments.
First and foremost—her family. Their support gave her space to breathe, to advocate, and to keep going.
She also found a home in CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disorders). After trying multiple therapy centers, CARD stood out.
“They really try to accommodate us as a family… They don’t try to ‘fix’ her—they help us understand how to live life with her.”
Jorgia’s doctor, Dr. Haley Nelson at the Charlie Mitchell Clinic, also became a cornerstone in their care.
“She listens. She gets it. She wants to help.”
These weren’t just services—they were lifelines.
Sharing Their Journey—One Video at a Time
After releasing her book, LaShawn created a YouTube channel called Jorgia’s Journey—a space where she documents their real day-to-day life.
“People read about it… But when you actually see it, it’s totally different.”
From therapy visits to family time to meltdowns, the channel reflects what parenting a child with autism actually looks like. It’s honest. It’s sometimes chaotic. And it’s full of love.
She posts consistently Monday through Friday, with weekends set aside for rest and family. It’s her way of connecting with other parents—and healing herself in the process.
Advice to Parents: Don’t Stop Fighting
LaShawn’s advice to parents is clear:
“Don’t accept no for an answer. Don’t give up. Remember who you’re advocating for.”
She also emphasizes self-care—not as a luxury, but a necessity.
“Whether it’s coffee on the patio or five quiet minutes alone… take care of you. Because your child needs you whole.”
Even though she no longer attends formal support groups, LaShawn continues to be a listening ear and guiding voice for others.
“I think I’ve become the support group now. And I’m okay with that.”
A Mother Who Became the Advocate
LaShawn never imagined this would be her path—but she walks it every day with purpose, grit, and love. She’s more than a mother to Jorgia. She’s her voice, her protector, her mirror. And somewhere along the way, through every hospital visit, every therapy session, and every moment of exhaustion, LaShawn became something even bigger—an advocate for every parent who feels unseen, unheard, and overwhelmed.
“She’s not just my daughter. She’s my teacher.”
Conclusion: Understanding What Love Really Looks Like
Raising Jorgia has taught LaShawn Toney that love isn’t always quiet or easy. Sometimes it’s loud, messy, exhausting, and filled with questions no one seems to have answers to. But it’s also deeply present—felt in the small wins, the silent moments, the fierce protection, and the determination to keep showing up.
What LaShawn shared wasn’t just her experience—it’s a window into what so many parents live through behind closed doors. The worry. The sleepless nights. The strength they didn’t ask for but found anyway. Her story reminds us how important it is to truly see families like hers—not with pity, but with compassion and respect.
Jorgia may not use words to speak, but her life tells a powerful story. And because of LaShawn’s voice, more people are beginning to hear it.
About LaShawn Toney
LaShawn Toney is a mother, author, speaker, and founder of JORGIA’S IMPACT, a nonprofit organization devoted to autism awareness and parental support. Inspired by the journey of her daughter Jorgia—who lives with severe autism and cystic fibrosis—LaShawn’s mission is to empower families through community, education, and real-life storytelling.
Her published works, heartfelt YouTube channel (Jorgia’s Journey), and social media presence offer a raw, relatable look at parenting through the unknown—with love, honesty, and unshakable faith.
Continue the Journey
If LaShawn’s story resonated with you, there’s so much more to discover. On the JORGIA’S IMPACT FOUNDATION website, you’ll find heartfelt resources, parenting tools, and ongoing projects dedicated to families navigating life with autism. You can also step deeper into Jorgia’s world through the Jorgia’s Journey YouTube channel, where LaShawn documents real, unfiltered moments of growth, joy, and challenge. To stay connected, follow JORGIA’S IMPACT on social media—where community, conversation, and compassion come together to remind you that you’re never alone on this journey.