“I lost my heart today, my everything my reason, my best love Lady….life will never be the same without her” – a mother’s heartbreaking words as she mourns the loss of her baby.

7 year old Lady passed away on December 19, 2022, a day before her 8th birthday. She was born December 20, 2014 as Sayre Joseph Machatis-Soloway. She was a son, and who, at the early age of 3 began to identify as a girl. As she got older she came into her own identity, choosing the name Emily. Eventually she decided to be known as Lady. She enjoyed everything of both genders; her love of Thomas the Train since she was a toddler, hunting outdoors with her daddy, dolls, girly clothes, make-up, the color pink and rainbows. There was no denying her anything that she desired, and those who loved her, accepted without question that she was our amazing, caring, beautiful and smart little girl. Her love and light touched everyone who knew her. She had such a capacity of love for everyone around her.

Lady got sick shortly after she had a fall. She was brought to the Edmonton Stollery where her injury was treated. Her mother was told she likely had a virus or flu and that it would run its course. She was released but she was still in so much pain and discomfort that she asked to see the doctor again instead of going to her own birthday party. She never got a chance to open any of her presents.

The doctor in Bonnyville ordered her back to the Stollery after a blood test showed concerning results. Tragically, she passed away on route in the ambulance. Lady experienced a blood clot in her lungs, likely coming from her injured arm that caused a pulmonary embolism. Her brain was no longer receiving oxygen. She also had acquired Invasive Group A Strep.

This was an illness that could have been treated, especially if addressed at the time of her first hospital visit. With the government cuts to healthcare in our province it is clear that there is a struggle to provide adequate care. After sitting in the hospital waiting room for 12 hours in a room full of sick children, many who were shuffled in and out as soon as possible to make room for others, she was finally seen. Absolutely no regard was given to the mother’s concern and knowledge of her own child; describing the level of need and attention Lady required fell on deaf ears. They were quick to diagnose the flu and move on to the next patient.

After her death was recorded at the Redwater medical centre, the staff allowed only a limited time for all of the family to attend their last viewing of Lady as her body lost its warmth and her spirit slipped away. The medical examiner immediately came to take her for an autopsy, while her mother pleaded for time so Lady’s family could say their goodbyes. She was gone before her aunt and cousins arrived.

Lady’s mother Sheryl is in her second year as a social work student, working part time to make ends meet. On September 19th, 2022, Sheryl lost her father, her rock. She managed to make it through the last semester while dealing with this huge loss.

But with the loss of Lady, so soon after her father's passing, she will need to take the time to grieve.

The monetary funds will help Sheryl ease financial burdens, take stress leave and mourn the loss of her rainbow baby.

She would like to bring attention to the shortfalls of our Health Care system and consideration of discrimination based on race and gender identification.

It was decided at this time to create a fundraising platform for all that want to contribute. There are so many that have reached out already, friends, acquaintances and strangers. Please find it in your heart to help this grieving mother.