The Face of PEDIATRIC SPECIAL NEEDS In Loving Arms Renita Williams Thomas, MSN, RN PHOTO CREDIT: BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY
I n Loving Arms is a state-of-the-art medical facility with trained pediatric nurses, med- ical assistants, early education specialists, and physical, occupational, and speech therapists who provide specialized services to children ages new- born to 12 who are medically fragile. This service allows parents the ability to work, run errands, or go to school, knowing that their child’s every need will be addressed. “When you walk into our clinic, you will never be the same,” says Williams Thomas. “We are much like a daycare center with bright, beautiful colors, curriculum, and activities. But what sets us apart is our intensive medical model, therapeutic inter- ventions, and daily transportation.” The diverse staff serves infants and children who are technology-dependent, developmentally delayed, or who have multi-system involvement. Since 2012, they have cared for more than 1,000 children, from premature babies to children with rare genetic syndromes. Interested patients must have a prescription from his/her primary physician for admission and must have a complex chronic medical condition and be medically stable. Patients learn, play, and develop new skills while undergoing med- ical treatments needed for survival. Whatever medical deviation your child may have, In Loving Arms is here to help them not only to survive but to thrive. “Many of the children don’t even realize that they are different, much less that they are chronically ill.” The service delivery model is both needed and well utilized by many parents in need. After bringing her daughter home from the hospital, needing adequate childcare, and not being able to find it, she immediately knew that specialized pediatric healthcare was her calling.”
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Faces & Places ® | Winter 2026 31
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