Kaylah's Recovery Story  

In April of 2022, 11 year-old, Kaylah experienced an anoxic brain injury and was rushed to the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) Emergency Department by the Campbell Police and Fire departments. After she was resuscitated and placed on a ventilator to help her breathe, she was transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. When she was medically stable and able to participate in therapies, she was admitted to SCVMC’s Rehabilitation Center’s Pediatric Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit. Kaylah, along with the help of her family and the Pediatric Rehabilitation teams, worked hard to recover many skills that she lacked initially after her injury. At first, she could not eat or drink, talk, transfer, or walk without help. When she discharged home, she still experienced challenges but was able to eat a regular diet, drink thin liquids with supervision, express her needs and wants, and walk short distances. Now, she still has some difficulty with fine motor skills and writing, but can ride her bike, go to regular school, and play video games.

In November of 2023, Kaylah and her mother visited the Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit for the first time since being hospitalized. Everyone was so happy to see Kaylah! Nurses, Physicians, Therapists, Child Life Specialists, Case Managers, and Social Workers immediately came in to greet her and catch up. Kaylah reminisced with her Occupational Therapist, Tiffany, about her favorite outing to get boba tea together. Other things Kaylah remembered from her stay were listening to music, art projects, going outside with the therapists, and spending time with the nurses.

Recently, Kaylah joined other graduates of the Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit for the inaugural gathering of the Teen Advisory Group (TAG). The goal of the TAG is to advise on all things teen and rehabilitation related such as helping to plan the unit’s annual reunion and providing input on developing the new unit teen space.

Kaylah and her family are very thankful for everyone that helped save and help Kaylah recover.