She weighed just 4.2 pounds, lived for eight days, and although her life was brief, Harper Grant will leave a lasting legacy.

Harper, born at 32 weeks and four days, was the miracle her parents, Lajuana Beale Grant and Antonio Grant prayed for through years of invitro fertilization treatments. Tiny but mighty, Harper spent her brief life surrounded by parents who loved her fiercely.

During her time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, Harper received specialized care as her family held tightly to hope and faith. As her medical needs evolved, Harper was transferred to another facility for continued treatment.

Tragically, she lost her battle with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating and life‑threatening disease that primarily affects premature infants. Her death left a void no parent should ever have to endure, but it also ignited a mission rooted in love, resilience, and service.

“After years of hope, prayers, and heartbreak, my husband and I were finally blessed with our miracle daughter, Harper. For eight precious days, we held her close, loved her deeply, and dreamed of the life we would share with her,” Lajuana said.  

Determined to honor her daughter’s life, Lajuana founded Harper’s Fairy Foundation, transforming unimaginable grief into a gift for families facing the same fears she once knew too well.

At the heart of the foundation is a monthly basket program delivered on the 11th of every month in honor of Harper’s birthday. Each month, Lajuana personally delivers a thoughtfully curated basket to a family in Phoebe’s NICU. Filled with comforting items for both mother and baby, the baskets offer encouragement, support, and a reminder that these families are not alone.

“Every month, on the 11th, we honor Harper by giving back. This is our way of keeping her spirit alive, turning her legacy of love into hope for other families,” said Lajuana.

Jennifer Heleski, PPMH Director of Women’s and Children’s Services, says the impact of Harper’s life, and her mother’s mission, are deeply felt.

“What Lajuana has done in the wake of unimaginable loss is a testament to the power of a mother’s love. Harper may have only been with us for eight days, but the impact of her life and of this foundation will be felt by NICU families for years to come. We are honored to be part of Harper’s legacy,” said Heleski.

Beyond the monthly baskets, Harper’s Fairy Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness about NEC, one of the leading causes of death among premature infants.

“One scripture carried us through our journey: ‘I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him,’” she reflected, quoting 1 Samuel 1:27. “Harper was our answered prayer, and her legacy now lives on through every life we touch.”

Heleski echoed the hospital’s commitment to supporting families through every stage of their NICU experience.

“At Phoebe, caring for families goes far beyond medical treatment. When Lajuana walks through our doors each month, choosing hope over heartbreak, she reminds us all about why this work matters. Harper’s Fairy Foundation is a blessing to our hospital and to every family it touches.”

Lajuana hopes others will join her mission and help expand the foundation’s reach to more NICU families.

“Harper’s story reminds us that even the smallest lives can leave the biggest impact. Through Harper’s Fairy Foundation, we turn our love for her into action,” said Grant.

To learn more or support Harper’s enduring legacy, visit www.HarpersFairyInc.org.