I can not do all the good that the world needs. But the world needs all the good that I can do.
Who we are.
The name LILA was formed from the first two letters in
“Light Language”.
Light Language is a form of communication that is not limited by the human understanding of language. It is a form of vibrational expression that speaks directly to another’s soul. In short, the sharing of one’s “light” with another. And at LILA, that is exactly what we do.
When we enter a hospital room, we begin by providing supplies that they may have forgotten like reading glasses, chargers, and chapstick followed by items to help take their minds off of their current situation like books, word searches, and playing cards. But the true difference that we feel LILA makes in the life of others is when we share our light with the ones around us. We offer laughter, compassion, and a few moments where the patients can simply appreciate the most basic human need: companionship.
To be more direct: LILA provides supplies and companionship to individuals that have been in the hospital for an extended amount of time. Often times, we see that individuals end up staying in the hospital longer than anticipated and after some time, it can start to affect their positive outlook on things. So we strive to make things just a little bit easier for them. We supply them with items they may have forgotten and items to help keep their minds off their current situation in hopes of bringing more light into a sometimes very dark period. If there are any individuals that have not had any, or limited, visitors, we ensure that we stay a little longer in those rooms to provide companionship. Because here at LILA, we believe that no one should have to face uncertainty alone.
Why we are.
The hospital can be a very scary, uncertain time. And no one knows that better then LILA’s founder, Devin.
She was in an ATV accident that caused her to be life flighted to the hospital, in a medically induced coma for two weeks and a hospital stay that far surpassed any stretch that she could have imagined. This accident was very sudden so planning everything that was needed for an extended stay was nonexistent. Once she regained consciousness and had been there for some time, she began to feel the weight of her circumstances and nothing but time to contemplate it. Once the dust settled, she was able to have her friends and family bring her all of her every day necessities and items that could help bring her mind some peace in a very unsettling time.
One might think that having your every day items would be something that an individual in the hospital would not be worried about. However, a sense of normalcy is something that one will crave in the hospital and can often times be the difference between hope and hopelessness.
Although Devin was lucky enough to have the love and support of her family and friends, there is a realization in the hospital that not everyone is that lucky. There are many people in the hospital who are not afforded the luxury of having the companionship of others to brighten their day and they are forced to face the unknown alone. This can lead to overthinking, anxiety, and depression which often leads to a decrease in recovery. Sometimes, simply having an ear to bend for a small moment in time, can be a moment that will change someone’s life forever.