“In retrospect, she had a lot of symptoms of diabetes" says Robyn, reflecting on her daughter Eilidh’s journey with the chronic condition. Eilidh was drinking a lot of water; but it was summer. She was going through more diapers; but she was drinking more water. Unusual thirst and frequent urination are signs of type 1 diabetes, but they are also understandably easy to brush aside in an otherwise healthy and happy baby.

However, Robyn and her husband became concerned when Eilidh fell seriously ill at eight months old. Seeing their baby struggle to breathe and vomit repeatedly, Eilidh’s worried parents rushed her to the Emergency Room at McMaster Children's Hospital.

Eilidh spent five days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) where she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

"It was a scary time for everyone," Robyn confides. But under the supportive guidance of the hospital’s diabetes team and child life specialists, the family soon learned to navigate the complexities of managing Eilidh's condition.

A new normal with new challenges

Eventually, Eilidh got to return home, her parents well-equipped with resources and information to manage her condition. Still, the challenges of maintaining proper blood sugar levels mean that even common illnesses like the stomach flu have led to multi-day hospital stays for Eilidh. These frequent admissions take their toll on the entire family, disrupting their daily routines and bringing worry and dread for a daughter’s health.

Amid these turbulent times, the unwavering care and support provided by McMaster Children's Hospital have been a source of comfort for the family. "The care that we've received at Mac has been phenomenal," Robyn shares. "It's tailored for the kids, and it truly makes the journey a little easier to bear. They’ve really made our stays there manageable. Not easy, but manageable. Which is pretty amazing.”

Throughout their hospital stays, many donor-funded resources have been instrumental in easing the burden. The playrooms in particular have provided amusement and a much-needed sense of normalcy for Eilidh and her family over the years. So too, Robyn attests, have simple distractions like DVD players and bubble wands.

"The smallest gestures can put a smile on a kid’s face when they’re going through the most challenging times of their life,” she remarks. “To see our kid have a little bit of joy in such a hard situation is priceless.”

An ongoing journey of care

Eilidh's journey at McMaster Children’s Hospital will continue until she's 18, as there's no cure for diabetes on the horizon. However, she doesn't let diabetes stop her; despite the challenges, Eilidh is not defined by her condition. She is a thriving, quirky, funny, outgoing and overall healthy kid who loves playing with her older sister, practicing gymnastics, swimming, and riding her bike. Reflecting on how far Eilidh has come, Robyn says, “I don't think she would be where she is today without all the support we've had."

As we prepare for the holiday season, it’s more important than ever to ensure that McMaster Children's Hospital can continue to meet the growing needs of patients and families. Your support today is crucial in helping us maintain the quality of care that every child deserves. Donate now.