Layla was initially brought into the hospital on Friday and diagnosed with epiglottitis, a very rare infection infecting the upper respiratory tract, that Layla had been vaccinated for. It is extremely rare, but she didn’t have the white blood cells to fight it off. The infection progressed quickly after Layla was brought in, and her throat became very swollen. The nurses and doctors worked quickly to intubate Layla and put her on antibiotics to fight the infection. We are so, so lucky for Michelle’s mama bear instincts and that she brought Layla in that night.

After the infection has passed, Layla will continue chemotherapy and start her battle against leukemia. While we know there is a tough road ahead, we feel incredibly hopeful after the overwhelming support we have received in the days since her diagnosis.