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To our family and friends, thank you for the calls, the texts, the gifts, the visits, the prayers and most importantly your unconditional love and support. 

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Layla’s friends, you were the most important thing in the world to her.  I know that you will help me keep her light alive by remembering and sharing all the fun times and memories you had with her.  Please think about her often and I hope you smile every time you do.

 

MK, although you were only Layla’s coach for a few years, the impact that you made on her is so very meaningful.  You were one of the very few adults that Layla felt comfortable enough to be vulnerable with. You pushed her, taught her, supported her and were nothing but kind to our whole family.  You made her last soccer experiences very special.  We are forever grateful. 

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Our case manager at UVM.  I will never forget your kindness.  You were genuine and so caring.  You tried to comfort our family during a traumatic time.  Your role was crucial in attempting to save Layla’s life. You fought for Layla to get a bed at NYU and helped coordinate the transport.  You pushed for her to get to the top of the liver transplant list and checked in on her even after leaving UVM.  I will always appreciate everything you did.

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To the doctors, surgeons, nurses,  PCTS and staff on KP 13, thank you for the care that you gave Layla before, during and after her transplant.  

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To the doctors, surgeons, nurses, PCTS and staff on KP 16, thank you for everything you did when Layla was in the Neuro ICU.  It was one of the scariest times during our hospital stay and your kindness and care for Layla was top notch!

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To the doctors, surgeons, nurses, PCTS  and staff KP 12, thank you for taking care of Layla when she was on the transplant floor.  Although she was not the typical transplant patient, you took care of her medical needs and were kind and caring to our whole family.  We are forever grateful for the people who we spent the majority of our days with, all the way through hospice care. 

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To the “Layla Whisperer”,  I do not know where to begin.  Thank you for your immediate connection to Layla.  I do not know how you did it but you locked eyes with her right away and the rest was history.  You went above and beyond your job to always make sure that Layla and our family were well taken care of.   You were always Layla’s biggest cheerleader, our family’s number one go to person and a new friend when I needed one the most.   I could not have done this without you! I know you were brought into my life for a reason and I am thankful for that.  I also know that you will help me to carry on Layla’s light in every way possible. 

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To the NYC Ronald McDonald House, thank you for providing us with a place to stay. You gave us a warm shower and a place to call “home” on the weekends.  I was unaware of how much this organization does for families in need. If you are ever looking for a worthwhile charity to donate to, please consider RMDH. They do so much good. 

To the person whose life ended, but gave us more time and hope with Layla, we are eternally appreciative. Thank you for being an organ donor.

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Lastly and most importantly our son Owen - your life has been chaotic and unimaginably difficult during the last 6 months.  You have never once complained about anything.  You sat in a hospital for weeks at a time watching your sister suffer.  You are the strongest, most selfless 16 year old I know.  You were the best little brother to Layla and I know your bond was extremely tight.  You are an amazing son and we love you with all our hearts.