Tatum's Story
Tatum was our miracle baby. After three years of trying for a child, we were blessed with her, a miracle even before she was born and an even greater miracle after she came into our lives. From the very beginning, she faced challenges, but Tatum had a strength and resilience that inspired everyone around her. Tatum was born with a rare muscle disorder called Congenital Fiber Type Disproportion (CFTD). CFTD is a rare congenital myopathy that affects the muscle fibers in the body, making it hard or impossible to perform normal physical tasks like walking, running, eating, breathing, sitting, standing, etc.
With her muscle disorder, we were told that she might never sit, stand, walk, eat, or play on her own. But in just one short year, she surpassed so many of those challenges. She was eating like a little champion, sitting up, playing constantly, and had even started standing on her own. She worked so hard to overcome every obstacle, and we were so proud of her determination.
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To us, Tatum was more than our daughter; she was our teacher. She showed us what true resilience looks like and taught us to appreciate life’s smallest, simplest joys. She filled our hearts with her pure and unconditional love. Her legacy is one of love, joy, and strength, and we will carry that with us every single day.
In her passing, Tatum has reminded us to cherish every single moment. Though our 13 months with Tatum was far too short, her impact will last forever. She will always be our light, our miracle, and our greatest GIFT. Through this fund, Tatum's memory will help children who face similar challenges pursue their dreams.
Tatum was the gentlest, happiest, and silliest little girl. Her little giggle could light up an entire room, and her smile with her tiny, crooked teeth instantly brought joy to anyone who saw it. She loved being carried all around so she could point at everything. She loved reading books, playing with her toys, and having tea parties with her daddy. She loved jumping in her jumper, playing games like "trot trot”, clapping, shaking her head “no”, waving at everyone, and hanging upside down. Tatum was such a curious and smart baby who loved learning all about the world around her.
Tatum's passing was unexpected. Her respiratory system was previously thought to be strong, but in December of 2024, Tatum got a common virus and her little body just couldn't keep up.
In Loving Memory of Tatum Jean Davenport
11/2/2023-12/17/2024