Meet Isla.

Isla Elliot gets her fighting spirit from her mom. Isla was born with CHARGE Syndrome, a rare genetic condition which impacts her ability to see, hear, eat and breathe safely. Isla’s first few months were precarious. Her fragile respiratory status meant she was dependent on oxygen, a ventilator, continuous feeds, and very vulnerable to infection. With Isla requiring constant monitoring, her parents only option was long-term hospitalization in a pediatric subacute care facility. Going home without their daughter was devastating.

Yessica, Isla’s mom, remembers, “I wanted to bring her home so badly. It was a crazy time. I tried to be with Isla a few hours every day, all while working and balancing care for our other daughter. My husband worked full-time too and quitting one of our jobs was impossible. I didn’t know what to do, but I knew I wanted her home.” Thus, began Yessica’s battle. “I posted online and asked everybody for ideas on how to get Isla home.”

Finally, Yessica heard about Coastal Kids Home Care from the mom of another medically fragile toddler. A month later, when she was fourteen months old, Isla finally came home with round-the-clock shift nursing through Coastal Kids.

“She brought my kid home,” says Yessica. “Margy is an incredible and amazing person. She is always so kind and on top of everything and she understands what it takes to have a child with medical disabilities at home. Any time we have had issues with nursing, she is on top of it and constantly trying to find whatever we need.”

Fast forward nineteen months and Isla is crawling and pulling to stand. Today, Isla is still fighting – though surrounded by loving parents, a big sister, and dedicated nurses – her battle to learn, grow and stay healthy is a lot easier.

“[Margy] brought my kid home. She is an incredible and amazing person. She is always so kind and on top of everything and she understands what it takes to have a child with medical disabilities at home. Any time we have had issues with nursing, she is on top of it and constantly trying to find whatever we need." --Isla's Mom