Born at 32 weeks, doctors diagnosed Ammanda with a heart condition, Down syndrome, and seizures.  Doctors also found that she had three pounds of excess fluid in her body.

“When she was born, that was the scariest experience of my life. Nothing compares to when doctors tell you that your child might not make it,” shared Alexander, Ammanda’s dad. “But she is a fighter. She’s a warrior. She is here for a reason.”

Ammanda received a tracheostomy that would allow a ventilator to assist with her breathing. Shortly after that procedure, Ammanda and her family arrived at the Gem on the Lake for around the clock care.

“La Rabida is a home away from home,” said Alexander. “No one ever looks forward to going to a hospital. For the most part, it’s for something negative. With La Rabida, we beg to differ. Every morning we wake up and look forward to arriving at La Rabida. Everyone from the receptionists and custodians to the CNAs, our beloved RNs, and residents all make us feel welcome. The staff feels like an extension of our family.”

Families can’t be at the hospital 24/7, and that’s why the team goes above and beyond to keep families connected to their child. “The other day I received a Facetime out of the blue so that I could see Ammanda. To me, that was so special. The staff doesn’t have to do that. It speaks volumes. That’s going above and beyond your job.”

La Rabida has given parents like Alexander peace of mind.

“When we leave the hospital, we leave knowing that Ammanda is in good hands. We don’t leave with that worry. We know that she is being taken care of,” shared Alexander. “La Rabida isn’t a hospital to us. It’s our child’s safe haven!”

This story was featured in the August 2020 issue of eCurrents, La Rabida's monthly newsletter. To view the August issue of eCurrents, click here.