A Milestone Moment: Layla Goes Home
April 22, 2026
At RHA Health Services, we are honored to witness life-changing moments across our programs every day. Today, we are proud to share a story that beautifully reflects the impact of compassionate care, dedication, and community.
We are overjoyed to share that Layla is going home.
Layla first came to RHA when she was just 8 months old, requiring ventilator support and a high level of specialized care. Her journey began with complex medical needs and uncertainty, but from the very beginning, she showed a quiet strength that would continue to shine through every stage of her progress. Through consistent care, dedication, and unwavering support from her care team, Layla has grown significantly and achieved many medical improvements worth celebrating.
Today, aside from her trach tube, she no longer requires any respiratory support—an incredible milestone that once may have felt out of reach. At one point, her nutritional needs were met through enteral feeding, but now she enjoys eating on her own, happily snacking on Cheerios and crackers and drinking water. These everyday moments—so simple to many—represent just how far she has come and the resilience she has shown along the way.
Beyond her medical progress, Layla quickly became a light within RHA. She stole the hearts of staff members with her sweet personality and joyful spirit. She loves watching Bluey , singing her favorite songs, and dancing with endless energy. Recently, she was excitedly talking about “airplane” and “California,” a glimpse into the exciting adventures that lie ahead as she begins this next chapter at home.
RHA’s VP of Operations Monica Harrelson shared, “Great news, indeed! A BIG ‘Thank You’ to the team for your unwavering dedication to Layla. Your commitment has made a meaningful difference in her quality of life, and that does not go unnoticed.”
Layla’s journey is not only a testament to her strength, but also to the power of connection and community within RHA. In a truly heartwarming and full-circle moment, Layla has been adopted by one of our very own employees—someone who first joined RHA as an intern and has since grown both professionally and personally within our organization. It is incredibly meaningful to see both Layla and her adoptive parent reach this milestone together. Their journey reflects the deep impact our teams have—not only on the individuals we serve, but on one another as well.
Throughout her time at RHA, Layla was supported by a compassionate, multidisciplinary team of nurses, therapists, and caregivers who remained committed to her growth and well-being every step of the way. Their dedication has made a profound difference in her life. While today is a celebration across RHA, it is also a bittersweet moment for the team who has come to know and love her so deeply.
RHA’s Senior VP of IDD Operations Michelle Robertson shared, “Bittersweet tears of joy for this sweet, sweet (very energetic) little one! I can’t imagine how much you all will miss her, but I’m so happy she is going HOME! And a very special ‘Thank you’ to the team and the profound impact you make every day!”
There is no greater reward than seeing children like Layla reach this moment. Her journey is a powerful reflection of what can happen when compassionate care, dedicated teams, and strong support systems come together with a shared goal.
At RHA Health Services, we are proud to be part of stories like Layla’s—stories of resilience, progress, and hope. As she begins this next chapter, we celebrate alongside her and wish her and her family a future filled with happiness, continued growth, and countless beautiful moments.
Congratulations, Layla! RHA will always be cheering you on. 💛
To learn more about RHA’s IDD services, visit rhahealth.org/dsrha , or fill out a referral form at rhahealth.org/referral .
