Support Hannah Kate and Family

4 yrs ago today Hannah was in the ER at Regina General with a sinus infection. To be sure the infection did not affect the right eye they did a simple ultrasound. They noticed a mass in her brain. We were immediately referred to the Sick Kids hospital in Toronto as the MRI showed a group of cysts that Neurosurgeons in Regina had never seen before. Another MRI in Toronto also showed limited fluid movement in the brain. The doctor assumed she was born with these cysts and were slow growing. They recommended a surgery that would involve puncturing the largest cyst(Cerebral spinal fluid) in hopes that it would allow good flow. The surgery is called ETV(Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy). Basically burring a hole and endoscopically working in the third ventricular. To date we have made 2 check ups back to Toronto where the doctors have said they are happy with her progress and so were we.

Last summer while playing basketball with Hannah I noticed she would not use her right hand or arm. She proceeded to tell me that it didn’t work as well and has adapted by learning to do everything with her left. She also added that her hand has been numb since the surgery. Since then we have watched her use of her right hand and arm erode to point that she moves her right arm and hand with her left. As a parent its a horrible thing to see. Doctors here and in Toronto are in agreement that her situation is a complication of her initial surgery and should be brought back to the Sick Kids Hospital.

The first time we went to Toronto it was a month long ordeal and if it wasn’t for The Ronald McDonald House we would have been in dire straits. This time we do not qualify because her life is not in immenent danger. If she has more surgeries we might qualify but could still be in trouble if there isn’t any room at the RMH.

  All Money raised will go towards airfare and accommodations. Basically we are asking for the bare necessity. I’m not one for asking for help but with the recent decrease in wages, I find myself in a desperate situation and can’t find any other way.
Hannah will be leaving for Toronto March 8, 2016 with her mom (Louise).
I would like to take this time to thank everyone for their generosity and support!

Wayne Swan