AnnaBelle’s Story: Choosing Life and Finding Hope at Marisol Health

(Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities)

When AnnaBelle first stepped through the doors of Marisol Health Denver, she was carrying more than the weight of an unexpected pregnancy. She carried fear, uncertainty and the burden of trying to protect her young daughter Lucy while navigating a relationship that wasn’t feeling safe.

“I was just looking up clinics,” AnnaBelle recalled. “I wasn’t sure what I was going to do.”

She was overwhelmed and unsure if she could bring another child into her world. But everything started to shift when she met the staff at Marisol.

“They were probably one of the biggest supports I’ve ever had,” AnnaBelle shared. “Especially Lara — she’s counseled me through so much.”

Lara O’Shaughnessy, a behavioral health therapist at Marisol Health, remembers those early moments with AnnaBelle vividly.

“She was in a fragile state — scared and uncertain. But I saw right away that she was a devoted mother. She wanted safety, healing and hope," she shared.

Marisol Health began as a simple pregnancy center and evolved into a fully licensed OB-GYN clinic in 2016, offering both medical and social services rooted in pro-life values. With multiple Colorado locations in Denver and Northern Colorado, it stands out for its integrated, compassionate and dignified support for women like AnnaBelle and their families as they face challenging circumstances.

Lara guided AnnaBelle and her daughter Lucy through child-parent psychotherapy, helping Lucy process past trauma in a safe play-based environment. Slowly, trust began to grow, and strength took root.

As soon as Lara felt Lucy was ready, they worked on transitioning to one-on-one counseling for AnnaBelle.

“It’s helped me so much. There was a time when I was seriously considering abortion," AnnaBelle shared. "I didn’t think I could handle another child.”

But in the sacred space of Marisol Health, AnnaBelle found something she didn’t expect: hope.

From the woman at the front desk offering warm beanies and dolls for her children to the Christmas gifts and baby shower supplies, Marisol made AnnaBelle feel seen, supported and empowered.

“They reminded me that babies are a blessing. That being a mom is a blessing. That I could do this,” she said, her voice full of emotion. “Without Marisol, I don’t know where I’d be.“

Baby Westley was born not just into a family but into a community of care, thanks to a mother’s bravery and a ministry grounded in compassion.

Lara summed it up best: “AnnaBelle, you are a warrior — fierce, resilient, radiant. You chose life even when it wasn’t easy. And that speaks volumes about your love.”