In moments of crisis, we often see the very best of humanity—and nowhere is that clearer than in the story of Al Billings and his family.
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Al, from Forest City, NC, and his girlfriend, Megan, were facing an incredibly difficult pregnancy. After countless visits to a clinic in Morganton, Megan’s condition took a turn for the worse. It wasn’t until a parenting class that they learned how serious her situation really was—they were told to go to the ER immediately.
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From there, the journey became a desperate race for life. Doctors recognized that Megan needed specialized care beyond what they could provide, so she was transferred to the Labor & Delivery unit at Mission Hospital in Asheville. Twice, Megan nearly lost her life. In the end, an emergency c-section brought their precious baby girl, Raven, into the world.
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But the battle wasn’t over. Raven was whisked away to the NICU at Mission Hospital, where a team of doctors and nurses came together with unwavering commitment to give her the fighting chance she needed. Today, Raven is alive, healthy, and—by Al’s own proud admission—running wild.
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Yesterday, Al made a special trip back to Mission Hospital. He wanted to do something simple but deeply meaningful: say thank you. In the video interview we captured, Al speaks with powerful honesty about how grateful he is for the incredible medical team who saved both Megan and Raven.
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His message is a reminder that gratitude is not just a word—it’s a testament to the strength of community and the lifesaving power of skilled, compassionate care.
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Thank you, Al, for sharing your story. And thank you, Mission Hospital team, for making sure Raven and Megan could come home safe and sound.
