D'Ari's Story

Toccara started working in health care at an early age as a certified nursing assistant before going into respiratory care and nursing. It was in health care that Toccara found her footing, growing and thriving in an environment where she took care of others. But her world turned upside down when her  child faced a diagnosis that she will carry with her for the rest of her life.  

D’Ari, Toccara’s daughter, was diagnosed with craniosynostosis, a condition where the bones of her skull fused prematurely before her brain finished developing. She was devastated hearing that the little girl she had waited so long for would have to undergo a scary, lifelong journey of surgeries and medical treatments.

D’Ari had surgery at just seven months old to prevent serious complications, including pressure on her brain.

Thankfully, Toccara found great comfort in the care that D’Ari received at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. She recalls that the staff was amazing, from the nurses and neurologists to the room service and cafeteria staff.

She felt included in D’Ari’s care plan every step of the way. Toccara was  included in all rounding conversations, and there was always a doctor on call to answer her questions and address her concerns.

Toccara credits the great care that D’Ari received from the Mission Partners at OSF Children’s Hospital   for the spunky 4-year-old they now have, who loves dancing and thinks of herself as a little YouTube influencer.

She feels a deep sense of gratitude that OSF Children’s Hospital provides exceptional pediatric care so close to home in Peoria.