A Brighter Future

Sylvia first appeared on Dr. Phil for help coping with the loss of her husband, a marine who died not on the battlefield, but in a tragic car accident. She was seven months pregnant, raising twin 4-year-old girls and struggling financially. The Dr. Phil show provided her with a car and a check to help her get through the difficult period.

Days away from delivering her baby daughter, Sylvia joined the show via Web cam, and shared an update that the twins recently turned 5, and she gave them a birthday party. "They had a good time," she said. "It was a time that we could celebrate and be happy as a family, as opposed to dealing with everything that we have been dealing with for the last three months."

Sylvia shared that her daughter speaks with a therapist, and that her attitude is getting better. "The therapist gave me suggestions on how to deal with it, and talk to her and different things that she can do," she said. "She's looking forward to being a big sister and helping me more with the baby, as opposed to the past."

Dr. Phil then gave Sylvia another surprise: A check for $37,500.

"Since your show aired, thousands of viewers from all over the country have reached out. They've sent cards, they've sent baby clothes, they've sent checks to The Dr. Phil Foundation," Dr. Phil said. "So far, $37,500 has been raised to help you and your three girls, and we're just so proud to be able to share that money with you."

"Thank you so much," Sylvia said. "It's a blessing."

Watch Sylvia's message to everyone who donated to help her daughters.

Sylvia's baby daughter Ja'nya was born November 3, 2008.