Darah Stroud smiles and holds the Appreciation statue, part of the PHIL Award, in front of a Valley Children's backdrop.

Respiratory Therapist at Valley Children’s Receives Distinguished Award for Compassionate Care

Published October 22, 2025

MADERA, Calif. — Valley Children’s Healthcare has named its first recipient of an esteemed national recognition for respiratory therapists.

Darah Stroud, a respiratory care practitioner at Valley Children’s, received a Pulmonary Health and Illnesses of the Lungs (PHIL) Award — marking a first for the hospital.

The PHIL Award is the only national hospital-based recognition program that honors respiratory therapists for excellence in compassionate care.

“I think it’s amazing, because a lot of people don’t even know what a respiratory therapist is,” said Stroud, who has worked at Valley Children’s for nearly three years. “It’s really cool that there’s a program that is actually showing that we’re here too.”

Established in 2006 by the FACES (Family and Caregiver Education and Support) Foundation, the award commemorates Philip C. Lamka, who died from complications related to interstitial lung disease.

Stroud was recognized during a ceremony Wednesday at Valley Children’s Hospital. In addition to staff members, the event was attended by the family of Xzavier, a patient Stroud cared for during a long stay that lasted more than three months.

“Darah, we love you so much and we appreciate you so much,” said Audelia, Xzavier’s mother, who spoke during the event. She recalled Stroud going above and beyond during her son’s hospitalization, even staying after her shift to ensure the family was supported.

Darah Stroud, left, was joined by Xzavier and his family for her recognition ceremony.

“If anyone deserves this award, it’s you, and this hospital is very lucky to have you,” Audelia said.

Stroud received a commemorative plaque and the “Appreciation” sculpture, which encompasses “the unfailing and often background support of the respiratory therapist, who continually seeks more effective ways to enable the patient to breathe easier,” according to the organization.

“This is my home. This is what I was supposed to do with my life — I always say, it’s a beautiful day to save a life,” Stroud said. “I absolutely love working with the patients and the families. It’s a beautiful thing we do here.”

To learn more about the PHIL Award, click here.