About Lelis
The Passion Behind My Purpose: Why I Do What I Do
I am the mother of three boys, two of whom are twins born prematurely at just 25 weeks of gestation, weighing only 1 pound 11 ounces each. During their four-month stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), they faced countless challenges: necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), ostomy and reattachment surgeries, infections, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), intraventricular hemorrhages (IVH), apnea and bradycardia episodes, blood transfusions, and PICC lines, among others. I was at their bedside every single day, praying and hoping for their recovery. Unbeknownst to me, I was becoming their most dedicated historian and advocate, learning everything I could about neonatal care and the uncertain road that lay ahead after discharge.
When we finally left the NICU, I was shocked by how little preparation I had to face life beyond the hospital. I had to navigate the complexities of healthcare, insurance, pharmaceutical needs, therapeutic programs, early intervention services, medication dispensing, and scheduling. I wrote letters to advocate for equitable treatment, sought second opinions, and constantly worked to chart the best course for my children in what felt like uncharted waters. Balancing this daunting journey with the stress and emotional exhaustion of raising my family, supporting my older son, and managing life in a foreign country became my greatest challenge, and my greatest teacher.
This deeply personal experience ignited my passion for neonatal care and healthcare advocacy. I specialize in working with neonatal intensive care units, combining my lived experience with extensive professional training. With a degree from Harvard Medical School and nearly two decades of experience in healthcare consulting and advocacy, I have a deep understanding of the challenges facing healthcare entities and practitioners. I am committed to improving patient outcomes and advancing neonatal care through innovative strategies and solutions.
Over the years, I have collaborated with a diverse range of healthcare entities, including hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies. My expertise in healthcare consulting has helped these organizations achieve their goals while prioritizing patient care. Recognized for my innovative approaches, I have been invited to speak at conferences and events worldwide and have published research in prominent healthcare journals.
I am driven by a passion for elevating the voices of patients and families in healthcare systems. This commitment has earned me a reputation for delivering exceptional service and creating impactful, patient-centered solutions. I am dedicated to making a lasting positive impact on the healthcare industry and supporting organizations in achieving their mission of providing better care for all.
