In a deeply moving revelation, Tiger Woods’ niece, Cheyenne Woods, publicly recounted the daunting battle her daughter, Maya, fought with a severe health condition that almost ‘broke’ her. The emotionally charged odyssey started at the dawn of 2025 and tested the family’s resilience to its extreme.
Reflecting on the tumultuous year, Cheyenne confessed, “Emotions run high as I reminisce about the year that was. Maya’s incredible strength far outshines mine, but together, we’ve grown exponentially.” Despite the travails, the sense of accomplishment and pride in how far they’ve journeyed is palpable in her words.
“The year 2024 was a crucible that nearly shattered me, pushing me beyond my limits,” Cheyenne divulged. “Yet, we prevailed. I’m deeply grateful for the collective growth we’ve experienced as a family.” In her heartfelt disclosure, she delves deeper into the unanticipated twists and turns of Maya’s feeding journey. “Last New Year’s Eve was spent in a hospital, oblivious to the arduous journey 2024 would unfurl,” she elaborated.
Maya’s unexpected health complications, a respiratory issue coupled with extreme reflux, made feeding a Herculean task, impeding her weight gain. At the tender age of eight weeks, the family was cornered into making the tough decision of resorting to tube feeding. Maya was entirely reliant on this method for the subsequent ten months. Describing the emotional turmoil, Cheyenne revealed, “She was regurgitating more than 15 times a day, even during the night—our activities were severely restricted, confining us to a bubble, stepping out only for doctor visits and therapy sessions.”
Cheyenne also acknowledged the instrumental role of Dominique Grossman, a pediatric occupational therapist from the Newborn Flow LLC in Arizona, in their journey. Grossman specializes in assisting infants suffering from feeding reflux or tension. “Dominique has been a beacon of support throughout our journey with Maya. Her expertise and passion for helping mothers and babies have been invaluable. I’m profoundly grateful for her guidance,” Cheyenne expressed.
Their relentless efforts have borne fruit, as Cheyenne exulted, “Maya has transitioned to a G Tube for feeding and started taking oral food shortly after her first birthday. Her hard work and progress fill us with immense pride.”
The experience had a profound impact on Cheyenne as a mother. “As a mother, your deepest desire is to fulfill all your child’s needs. When even basic nourishment seems elusive, it’s hard not to shoulder some blame,” she confessed. However, Maya’s fortitude and the unwavering support of friends and family fortified her. “I’m incredibly grateful for our family and friends who stood by us throughout this journey,” she noted, emphasizing the critical role their support played.
Cheyenne’s raw and heartfelt narrative not only chronicles her struggles but also celebrates the resilience and growth of her family. Her story is a testament to the extraordinary strength and progress that can emerge from the toughest challenges, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles. What are your thoughts on Cheyenne’s journey? Share your views in the comments below!