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Teen hosts fundraiser to give back to group that helped her during unexpected pregnancy
By ROBERT CONNELLY
AUSTINTOWN
A fundraiser here is about helping other women in her shoes, Kerrigan McDermott said.
The 17-year old McDonald girl set up the fundraiser at her workplace, Austintown Inner Circle Pizza, 4520 Mahoning Ave., to raise money for the organization that helped her through her pregnancy a year ago.
Kerrigan and her family found out she was pregnant when she was 32 weeks, or eight months, into her pregnancy.
“We didn’t know our options. At 32 weeks, there’s only so many options,” said Deanna McDermott, Kerrigan’s mother. The baby was born weeks later, Oct. 30, 2013. Now more than a year old is Isabella Grace McDermott.
An Internet search by the family turned up Bella Women’s Center on North Road Northeast in Warren. An information sheet said that organization “is a confidential medical office with experienced staff offering no-cost caring and professional support for women with unplanned pregnancies.”
Bella’s also is a nonprofit that runs on donations, which is why Kerrigan decided to have the fundraiser, which she called the Giving Tree for Bella’s Babies. Restaurant patrons are encouraged to bring gifts that women and babies need and leave items under a tree there.
The first night of the fundraiser was Thursday, when people could bring in a flier and 15 percent of their check went to Bella’s.
The tree collections continue until Monday.
“Kerrigan’s main focus now is for those other teenage moms out there. To help those that are in need,” said Deanna McDermott. The family is looking to start Isabella’s Closet, a donation center, in the near future.
Kerrigan has worked at the restaurant for a year, and the family said the store’s ownership has worked with the teen and her child.
Kerrigan rode roller coasters, went bungee jumping and even slid on her belly while playing softball over the course of her unknown pregnancy. That’s why when her daughter was born she decided to give her the middle name Grace.
“I get to play with her all the time. She’s fun,” Kerrigan said. Kerrigan also said Isabella began running at nine months and reflected on the things she did when she didn’t know she wasn’t pregnant, including those roller-coaster rides. “She loves to be turned upside down,” Kerrigan remarked.
Having a child has helped boost Kerrigan’s grades — because her schedule is a lot tighter now — and she still plans to go to college and play softball. With a daughter to care for, she is looking to stay closer to home. She added that some colleges have been receptive to her being a mother as well.
“When I go across the stage [at high school graduation], she is going to be with me,” Kerrigan said.