In the beginning of July in 2021, Samantha Russell was killed when a man attempting to evade police crashed into her vehicle in Wichita, Kansas.
The 22-year-old soon-to-be mother was 33 weeks pregnant. Thankfully, due to paramedics who had a feeling her unborn child was still alive, she was rushed to the hospital and her baby boy was born.
Seven weeks later, Mac Russell got to head home with his dad Brandon.
Brandon shared the exciting news on social media, and thanked those who helped Mac grow strong enough for him to go home.
Following the fatal accident, Brandon was faced with mourning the loss of his high school sweetheart while also celebrating the birth of his first child.
“She was amazing and everything I ever wanted or could ask for,” Brandon said.
Periodically Brandon shared updates with family and friends about Mac’s condition on Facebook.
“Mac is doing pretty well. He is making progress everyday,” he wrote three days after his birth. “The doctors are unsure about how long he went without oxygen and after the MRI done yesterday they told me that he has some damage in some spots with the white matter in the brain.”
And while he grieved for his wife, he also made a commitment to always being there for Mac.
Love you Mac!
Posted by Brandon Russell on Saturday, July 24, 2021
“Of course nothing will ever be the same but I still have a purpose in life,” he wrote on Facebook. “I take solace in the fact that Mac is here with us in this crazy world and I’m grateful for him being healthy. He will know everything there is about his momma.”
The man responsible for the crash that killed Samantha was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery, two counts felony flee and elude, among other charges.
Fortunately, Brandon had a lot of support from his family and friends. Even people who didn’t know him wanted to help, and a friend of Brandon created a fundraiser. In total, $122,304 was raised for Brandon and his son.
On July 6 of this year, Brandon posted an emotional update on his Facebook page, where he once again declared his love for Samantha.
He also posted some new pictures of Mac celebrating his first birthday.
”Exactly one year ago around 5:03 p.m, I lost the most important person in my life. Meeting her was the best thing that happened to me. She brought in a new light and view of life that I never thought was possible… full of positivity and enthusiasm about every little thing. Fortunately, she was able give me a little baby boy thirty minutes after she was killed,” Brandon wrote and continued:
”Had Mac been taken with Samantha, I’m not sure I could have made it this far. Truly a miracle baby. Happy birthday Mac! While it is a day of mixed feelings, we will always celebrate the birth of Mac and make it as special as possible for him.”
Mac, you are certainly a miracle baby, and I hope you know how much you are loved.
No doubt will your father and family members take the best care of you, and they will make sure you know everything possible about your mother who was taken from you before you got a chance to know her.
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