Eden Family Finds Successful Outcomes
at UNC Health Rockingham

Teamwork, empathy and innovation allow Kyleigh Hubbard to take the next steps in her health care journey

Kyleigh Hubbard, a local sixth grader, shares her world with grandparents, Doug and Lynn Williams in Eden. Kyleigh also has Down syndrome or trisomy 21. And while she’s not able to speak, Kyleigh’s vibrant personality radiates warmth whenever you encounter her. Her giggles and heartfelt hugs convey her joy, while signs of frustration and retreat signal her anxiety. Doug and Lynn have dedicated their time, their love and their resources to equip her with basic skills that would enrich her life.

The pandemic took a toll on Kyleigh, taking away her occupational and speech therapy sessions, resulting in a decline in her self-feeding skills. Last fall, Kyleigh’s doctor referred Doug and Lynn to two different practices for a modified barium swallow (MBS) study – a test that UNC Health Rockingham had successfully administered in 2018. The swallow study involves active eating and drinking while X-rays capture images of the patient’s mouth and throat. Then, a speech pathologist evaluates the patient's swallow function and helps determine why a patient has trouble swallowing. In Kyleigh's case, the goal was to clarify if she could safely swallow liquids that were less thickened or eat additional types of food.

Doug and Lynn were disappointed with the overly clinical approach taken with Kyleigh as special needs patient at the new locations. Kyleigh, not feeling comfortable or understanding what was being asked of her, withdrew and the studies did not produce any measurable results. So, Doug and Lynn reached out to Sarah Moser at UNC Health Rockingham, who had been Kyleigh’s occupational therapist for more than four years prior to the pandemic.

Sarah quickly formed a team to create a collaborative care plan for Kyleigh’s needs: Rachel Eilers, occupational therapist; Tina Gigliotti, speech language pathologist; and Paige Martin, director of the hospital’s diagnostic imaging team. They were determined that the next study would be a success. And soon, Kyleigh returned to therapy as UNC Health Rockingham’s first post-pandemic occupational therapy health pediatric patient.

After Sarah and Rachel saw Kyleigh several times in the Outpatient Rehabilitation Services office and successfully introduced Tina to their sessions, Kyleigh was ready for the next step. With Doug and Lynn’s assistance, Kyleigh began arriving at the main entrance of the hospital, leaving her grandparents behind at the doors. This step was critical as Lynn and Doug could not be in the room during the study – Kyleigh had to trust the team.

Kyleigh spent time walking down hospital hallways with Sarah and Rachel. Then, they took her through the radiology department, venturing further into the treatment areas each week as she got to know the team in their brilliant blue scrubs. After six weeks, the day of the test arrived. Kyleigh proved more than ready and cooperated as the radiology team successfully gathered the necessary images.

“They are so patient with her,” Lynn said. “They make it fun, like a game, for her. That's why she does so well with the team at UNC Health Rockingham.”

When asked about her willingness to take on the challenge of Kyleigh’s swallow study, Sarah said, “At UNC Health Rockingham, we are the community that will surround and support local patients like Kyleigh for the rest of their lives. We have the ability to give patients grace and love when things are hard – just like we would want to be given.”

“Kyleigh’s story illustrates how our UNC Health Rockingham team delivers on our mission to meet the needs of our patients and their families every day,” said Steve Eblin, President and CEO. “A drive to do the right thing and collaboration between departments yielded an innovative care solution; and ultimately, the successful outcome that Kyleigh, Lynn and Doug deserved.”

Following completion of the study, the next steps for Kyleigh include dietary progression, with the support of an outside specialized speech therapist. Sarah and Rachel will continue their role as Kyleigh's occupational therapists.

Photo Captions

1. Kyleigh Hubbard walks down the hall in UNC Health Rockingham with Occupational Therapists Rachel Eilers (left) and Sarah Moser as part of her testing preparation.
2. Three of the UNC Health Rockingham team members who supported Kyleigh Hubbard’s health journey gathered in the Outpatient Rehabilitation Services office: (l to r) Rachel Eilers, occupational therapist; Tina Gigliotti, speech language pathologist; Sarah Moser, occupational therapist.

UNC Health Rockingham is a nonprofit, 108-bed community hospital preserving excellent, compassionate and trusted care where it is needed most: close to home. As a cornerstone in Eden, N.C., and a major employer, UNC Health Rockingham serves people throughout Rockingham County and in neighboring Southern Virginia areas. In addition to inpatient, outpatient, surgical and emergency care, the hospital offers diagnostic and treatment services, provide screenings and tests and lead wellness initiatives. More information about UNC Health Rockingham may be found at uncrockingham.org.