Last year, we introduced you to Malaika “Muscles”, whose family lives in Pearl River, LA. She was born
prematurely on July 7, 2024, weighing 1 lb. 2 ozs. Her mom, Ariel, checked into RMH on July 29, 2024, and it
became her home for 312 nights.
When Ariel initially came, she was suffering from a bout of postpartum
depression. We would see her throughout the building quietly sobbing to herself. Before long, she grew
accustomed to the House and the staff. She started to open up to other families, and we learned that this was
her first child and that she was a school teacher who taught art. At our Halloween party, she helped the little
kiddos decorate pumpkins and participated in the trick or treat activity.
Then at Christmas, she created “Thank You” coloring sheets for the kids to share with our donors who presented them with gifts. On the weekends, her husband, Peter, would join her, and she would often receive visits from other family members, making her stay feel extra special. Well, we are happy to share that after a very lengthy stay, Ariel and Malaika were able to
finally go home. So last Friday, we said farewell and good luck to this family and finally got a chance to meet
Malaika in person, who is now more than 22 pounds.