When four-year-old Ivy, from Regina, Sask., began screaming in pain due to basic movement, her family never imagined it would lead to a 31-day stay at Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH).
Ivy began showing reluctance to walk in April 2024. During her first gymnastics class, she let out a blood-curdling scream that led her parents to rush her to a nearby hospital, where she was initially diagnosed with juvenile arthritis.
Within days, Ivy’s pain became extreme, and her condition deteriorated rapidly. Her family took her back to a local hospital, where tests revealed dangerous levels of muscle enzymes in her bloodstream, prompting the need for IV fluids. However, when Ivy began experiencing severe swelling, declining oxygen levels and such intense pain that she could no longer move, she was transferred to JPCH.
Once Ivy arrived at JPCH, she underwent a series of tests and treatments. These included blood tests, chemotherapy, IVIG treatments, high-dose steroids, muscle biopsies, MRIs, CT scans and ultrasounds. She was also given a nasogastric tube.
She was ultimately diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disease causing inflammation of her skin, muscles, and blood vessels. It affects about two to four children per million worldwide each year.
The family endured countless sleepless nights, relying on the expertise and compassion of JPCH’s staff to navigate the uncertainty surrounding Ivy’s condition.
“Watching the nurses always on their A-game finally allowed me to sleep, knowing Ivy was in the best possible hands,” said Shandra.
Over time, Ivy’s condition began to improve. With the collaboration of specialists at JPCH, she regained her ability to walk and, more importantly, her “sparkle.”
“I am not sure I can put into words how grateful we are. Our experience was amazing. The second we arrived, the team was waiting for us with new treatments and possibilities for us to try to get to the bottom of what was happening,” Shandra explained.
Ivy is now back at home. She is free of her nasogastric tube, currently in kindergarten, regularly attends her gymnastics classes and is back to enjoying life as a five-year-old. She continues to have monthly follow-up appointments at JPCH, and in her words, is excited to see her “besties” at the hospital.
“It is with great anticipation that we announce Ivy as this year’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation Champion Child. Part of the Children’s Miracle Network Champions Program, Ivy and her family will spend this year representing sick and injured kids across Saskatchewan,” said Jada Kook, Community Engagement Manager at JPCHF. “Ivy is a bright light everywhere she goes and exudes kindness and compassion to those she meets.”
Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation wants to thank Blaze who passes the role of Champion Child to Ivy. Blaze has been an outstanding ambassador for the Foundation and did an incredible job sharing his medical journey across the province.
Read more about Ivy’s story here.