'Miracle' baby returns to Simi Valley home

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- In an instant, Simi Valley resident Derek Ellison lost the love of his life and became a single father of a baby fighting to survive.

His wife, 21-year-old Kayla Katler, died of a massive brain hemorrhage. She was slightly more than six months pregnant.

In an emergency move, doctors performed a C-section and baby Brayden Scott Ellison was born on July 21. He weighed 3 pounds and 6 ounces.

"Suddenly, I know everything is going to be okay. Having him has brought me more happiness than I ever thought I would be able to feel again," Ellison said.

Brayden spent nearly two months in the hospital before finally returning home this week. Above his crib sits a picture of the independent and vivacious woman who not only gave him life, but also saved others as an organ donor.

"I never want him to doubt who his mom was and the type of person she was. He will always grow up knowing she's looking down on him," Ellison said.

Katler, however, was never able to throw a baby shower and Derek Ellison was laid off just three weeks before the tragedy. Family and friends have set up a GoFundMe page and Facebook page to help with the massive medical bills.

So far, the GoFundMe page has raised $8,600 of its $45,000 goal.

Ellison said he is grateful and overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. His focus now is on his son, a special gift he calls a "miracle."

"He's exceeded all expectations of where he should be and where he is. He's just been a miracle," Ellison said.

He added: "We're in this together and it seems like he knows that. We're going to figure it out."