In August 2021, Autumn and Zach Carver’s world changed in an instant. Both contracted COVID-19, but for Autumn—seven months pregnant—the virus became life-threatening within days. Her oxygen levels plummeted, and she was rushed to the ICU, placed on a ventilator as her lungs rapidly failed. Doctors made a desperate decision: to save her unborn child, they performed an emergency C-section. On August 27, their tiny son, Huxley Elias, arrived two months early and was immediately taken to the NICU, fighting for his own fragile life.
While baby Huxley struggled to grow, Autumn’s condition worsened. She was placed on ECMO, the highest and most extreme form of life support, used only when all other options have failed. The prognosis was devastating. Doctors told Zach his wife had a “zero percent chance of survival.” It was the darkest moment of his life—yet he refused to give in. “I told them I am not leaving here without Autumn,” he said. “I prayed all the time. Every second.”
Friends, family, and strangers rallied around the Carvers. A GoFundMe raised more than $55,000 to help with overwhelming medical bills. But even with support, the battle only grew harder. Autumn suffered multiple infections, severe anemia, and even went into cardiac arrest—only to be revived again. Eventually, a doctor suggested taking her off life support to let her “die peacefully.” Zach said no. His faith told him she still had a fight left in her.
And then—against every prediction—Autumn began to improve. Slowly, breath by breath, her body strengthened. On October 19, nearly two months after giving birth, she held baby Huxley for the very first time. Nurses wept. Zach described it as witnessing a miracle unfold before his eyes.
Finally, in December 2021, Autumn came home—just in time for Christmas. She reunited with Zach and their daughters, Harlow and Sadie, completing the family that had prayed for this moment night after night.
That Christmas, the Carvers didn’t celebrate presents or festivities. They celebrated survival, faith, and what they called “the greatest gift”—being together and honoring the birth of Jesus. Their journey remains a testament to unshakable love, relentless perseverance, and the miracles that can rise from even the darkest hours.