Layla’s family is very grateful for CDTC’s Early Steps program and the positive impact it has had on their daughter’s development over the past 6 months.  Layla Jean was born at only 29 weeks.  During her 94 day NICU stay she endured countless medical procedures, including the insertion of chest tubes to repair collapsed lungs, five blood transfusions and open heart surgery.

Her parents’ worry did not end at discharge. When Layla came home at three months she was still under five pounds, taking numerous medications for her heart and lungs, and could not yet bottle feed.  Like most parents, they did not feel equipped for the challenges of caring for a preemie with such medical needs.  Then they learned about Early Steps…

Her Journey at CDTC

Their CDTC social worker put them in contact with an experienced physical therapist and set up weekly in-home physical therapy sessions.  Over the past six months, they have seen tremendous progress in her physical, mental and emotional development.  During her first consultation with Early Steps, the physician was uncertain as to whether Layla would be able to sit up by one year due to her pre-maturity and medical setbacks.  But with the help of her physical therapist, Layla has been sitting up for several months! At age one, she began crawling, standing and cruising the furniture.

Way to go Layla!