Two-year-old Kate Drury has been ill since the day she came into this world. However, that isn't the only reason she visits the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario at least three times a week.
"She's medically fragile but to put name and a reason, we've not been able to," said Dr. Nathalie Major, from CHEO Complex Medical Care.
There is still no diagnosis for Kate's illness. She has travelled far and wide to find one, but no luck as of yet, and she's getting sicker.
"Kate has scarred veins now from too many blood draws and IVs, and she's two and a half years old," said Julie Drury, Kate's mom.
"It's hard, every day it's a struggle."
Sometimes the trip to the hospital is urgent because Kate's life is in danger. She's now deaf. And there is no explanation for it.
"Without hearing aids, Kate hears nothing and with a hearing aid, she hears soft sounds," said Kelly Rabjohn, an auditory verbal therapist.
Kate is now learning sign language. However, her hearing is just one of a series of problems. She also has issues with her immune system, blood and neurological systems, among others. So managing her care is also tough.
"Kate, if you can imagine, has been to emergency more than 10 times, been admitted more than eight times, and every time we come here, there are different medical teams. They don't know her story," said Kate's mom.
Dr. Major is trying to help solve this problem. She's heading up a new program to help children like Kate, those with an undiagnosed disease.
It may not mean fewer trips to the hospital, but it may lighten the stress load. However, it is still a day-to-day challenge.
There will be a fundraiser at the Blue Cactus restaurant June 7, if you would like to help Kate's family offset travelling costs to treat and diagnose her illness.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Joanne Schnurr
