Mile 57

When Heather welcomed her daughter, Ahnyst Haven, into the world, she was a healthy, joyful baby. But at just seven months old, Ahnyst began showing strange symptoms that didn’t respond to treatment—blisters on her body, red eyes, and a persistent cough. Despite multiple hospital visits and misdiagnoses, Heather remained determined to find answers.

Her persistence led them to Manning Family Children’s in New Orleans, where a team of specialists finally uncovered the cause: Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid, an extremely rare autoimmune disease that made Ahnyst the youngest known case. Though the team worked tirelessly to treat her condition, the disease progressed aggressively, causing irreversible lung damage. Still, Heather and her daughter fought each day with courage and love.

As Ahnyst’s condition worsened, Manning’s palliative care team—the Pelican Krewe—became a source of strength for the entire family. They supported Heather through every decision and made sure Ahnyst’s final days were filled with love, laughter, and peace. Even in her last moments, Ahnyst found ways to smile and communicate. Though her life was heartbreakingly short, her spirit left a lasting impact—and her story now brings awareness to a disease few have ever heard of.