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By Daniella Gray
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A grieving mom from Virginia has shared heartbreaking footage from her daughter's first birthday, unaware that it would be one of their last moments together.
Asia Ellmer-Wright posted a reel on Instagram (@thewrightlifestyles) where one-year-old Leilani sits on top of the kitchen counter joyfully eating her birthday cake.
Two days after the family celebrated their youngest child's birthday on August 18 last year, Ellmer-Wright and her husband left for work while their trusted babysitter came to watch Leilani and her two-year-old sister.
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At 4pm, Ellmer-Wright received a call from a police officer informing her that Leilani had choked on a piece of fruit and emergency medical services was trying to dislodge the obstruction.
"I was told her heart was still beating and that they would be rushing her to the hospital," the mom of three told Newsweek. "My heart dropped and I pleaded with God the entire drive."
Ellmer-Wright, 32, got to the hospital before the EMS team but despite their efforts, Leilani was pronounced dead at around 5:25 p.m. due to by aspiration after swallowing fruit the wrong way.
Data shared by Ellmer-Wright shows that approximately 66 to 77 children under 10 die each year from choking on food in the U.S.
Leilani's family told Newsweek that they want to be clear in their message that no one is to blame for what happened.
"Accidents happen and tomorrow is not promised for any one of us. However, we do believe that Lani's life may have been short, but her impact will last for generations to come," Ellmer-Wright said.
Leilani, the youngest of her siblings, had a special, infectious laugh that brought joy to everyone around her.
"I know all parents think they have the best little ones but Lani was truly special," her mom told Newsweek. "She was the glue that kept all of us grounded. She would crawl right up to you and lay her head on you as if to say she loves you."
Leilani's middle sister, who recently turned three, still talks about her often. Her older brother prays every night to be reunited with her and questions why they had such a short time together.
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"The loss of a child is the worst pain a parent can ever experience," Ellmer-Wright said. "The second most painful thing is talking about it, reliving it, questioning if it's your fault, what more you could have done, how you could go back and change everything. It's haunting."
After her death, Leilani's family created a non-profit organization to spread awareness about aspiration and asphyxiation, especially in babies and older people.
Leilani's Legacy Foundation also partnered with LifeVac, which has helped provide equipment to schools, churches, emergency responders and households.
The family is now attending therapy to better their mental health as they navigate their grief.
"I don't think perfect enough words exist to capture the beautiful spirit that Leilani is to this world," Ellmer-Wright said. "Her energy will continue to be a beacon of light in this sometimes dark world and anyone who shares her story will be impacted by her beautiful divine spirit."
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