When Liam Joshua started daycare in January, his family never imagined they’d soon face a nightmare.
Within weeks, the 18-month-old was battling a severe illness that escalated rapidly, landing him in the ICU at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. What began as a case of RSV quickly turned into pneumonia, pushing Liam to the brink of sepsis. Through it all, the care team’s expertise and compassion became a lifeline for his family.
A Scary Turn for the Worse
Kaitlyn Joshua, Liam’s mom, shares how his symptoms worsened over a weekend, with a fever climbing to 104.5 and Liam refusing to eat, drink or even move.
“My husband, Landon, and I kind of tag-teamed how we would just hold him all day,” she recalls.
By Monday morning, they rushed him back to the hospital, terrified by how quickly his condition had deteriorated.
The medical team acted swiftly. An X-ray revealed that Liam’s lungs had changed dramatically in just a few days.
“I was freaking out,” Kaitlyn says. But the kindness and professionalism of the providers helped ease her fears. “The physician was just so kind and told us, ‘I’m so glad you brought him back in.’”
A Lifesaving Blood Transfusion
By Thursday, Liam’s battle took another turn. His condition wasn’t improving, and the team recommended a blood transfusion — a daunting prospect for any parent, especially for a child so young.
“Hearing ‘blood transfusion’ for a one-year-old, you’re like, oh no,” Kaitlyn says. But the providers took the time to explain every detail, from the procedure to the potential benefits. “The care team was so phenomenal and reassuring.”
The results were almost immediate.
“I cannot explain how much it changed his outcome,” Kaitlyn says. The transfusion proved to be the turning point Liam needed, helping him start the healing process at last.
Extraordinary Care When It Matters Most
Throughout their stay, the family was amazed by the attentiveness and expertise of the care team — from ICU nurses to the occupational therapy team who gently encouraged Liam to play with toys again.
Two caregivers stood out in particular: Andrew Morales, RN, a nurse in his first week in the ICU, and Jacquel Pinson, RN, BSN, who provided exceptional care toward the end of Liam’s stay at the hospital.
The Child Life team also played a crucial role in helping Liam’s six-year-old sister, Lauryn, understand what was happening to her little brother. They patiently explained the tubes and wires in a way that was less frightening, allowing Lauryn to visit and engage with Liam without fear.
Back to Smiles and Playtime
Liam was well enough to go home after a week in the hospital. As they left, one of the doctors told the family, “You should be proud of yourselves” for trusting their instincts and the care team. Now, Liam is back to his playful self, filling his home with laughter and energy once again.
“I joke with my family that he’s back to torturing his sister and it’s great,” Kaitlyn says. “We are so grateful. It was a beautiful experience at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital.”
On March 14, Liam will be recognized as one of Our Lady of the Lake’s Geaux Heroes during the LSU Baseball game against Missouri, a celebration of his strength and the exceptional care that helped save his life.
Liam’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference that expert, compassionate care can make. For families facing similar health issues, the team at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health is ready to provide dedicated support.
