There was a bittersweet day aboard the S.S. La Rabida this month when longtime passenger, Junior, was discharged after spending more than two years on our inpatient unit. At two and half years old, Junior’s parents were finally able to bring him home for the very first time.

Junior was born premature and weighed less than a pound. Arriving that early meant he needed extra support from a ventilator to breathe and a feeding tube to get enough nutrition to keep growing. After graduating from the NICU at a partnering hospital, Junior was transferred to La Rabida in June 2019. It was at La Rabida that Junior received a variety of treatments, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. During his stay, Junior learned how to walk, use sign language, and has decreased the number of hours a day spent on the ventilator.

“La Rabida has been just amazing. We are happy beyond words,” explained Joana, Junior’s mom. “I am very, very grateful for La Rabida.”

With happy tears and hugs, Junior and his parents were sent off with a warm goodbye from staff from across the hospital - some even coming in on their days off just to bid farewell. Bon voyage, Junior! Your La Rabida family is so proud of how far you’ve come.