#18
Laila needs little introduction. Her journey alongside the St. Louis Blues’ 2019 Stanley Cup run captured national attention, but her story goes far beyond the spotlight.
At just 9 years old, Laila began experiencing severe headaches, vomiting, and episodes of collapse. After multiple ER visits without answers, she was referred to St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Months of testing—even a brain biopsy—still left doctors without a clear diagnosis.
In September 2018, Dr. Julia Warren identified the cause: Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare, life-threatening disorder in which Laila’s immune system was attacking her brain. Left untreated, HLH is nearly always fatal.
Laila underwent 10 weeks of chemotherapy followed by a lifesaving bone marrow transplant in January 2019 under the care of Dr. Jeff Bednarski. After months of recovery in isolation, the transplant successfully replaced her immune system and cured her disease. Her case—HLH isolated to the brain—was extraordinarily rare, with only about 10 known cases worldwide at the time.
Today, Laila is thriving. She now gives back by supporting nonprofits and is participating in the DAWG Nation Hockey Foundation Midwest Survivor Game—continuing to inspire others with her strength, resilience, and heart.