PHOENIX SMILES La Rabida specializes in the inpatient transitional care of children with varying diagnoses and conditions who are dependent on technology such as oxygen or feeding tubes. In every case, our goal is to help advance each patient to the least-dependent condition possible, so he or she can go on to lead the fullest life. Phoenix (pictured) was born with a cleft lip and a cleft palate that caused respiratory and feeding complications. He spent several months at another medical center where he received a tracheostomy and a G-tube so he could receive adequate nutrition, and he received corrective surgery on his lip. After surgery, Phoenix boarded the S.S. La Rabida, so his parents could learn from our care team how to use his technology once he returns home. Though Phoenix’ loving mother and father live several hours away, they visited their son daily and quickly became proficient in his trach and G-tube care. Their spirited, comforting visits—which often included dance parties in his cabin—kept Phoenix smiling throughout his stay.
COLIN SAVES LIVES As a child, Colin visited La Rabida for both inpatient and outpatient asthma care. He aspired to be a firefighter, but he knew his respiratory condition could prevent his dream from becoming a reality. Despite the odds, Colin is now a firefighter and paramedic. He credits the care he received at La Rabida as the source of his determination to succeed. On the job, Colin acknowledges that, “other people’s lives depend on me.” That philosophy carries over in all aspects of his life, and he is just as passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. This year, Colin returned to La Rabida to donate boxes of books for our patients. Even though Colin regularly exhibits extensive heroism in his career, he maintains that the children of La Rabida are the real heroes, “The patients of La Rabida are the bravest people I have ever seen.”