Kaitlynn

Described by her mother as a warrior princess, 10-year-old Kaitlynn from Saskatoon, Sask., is a sweetheart with a brave soul – going through more health challenges than a young girl should ever have to experience. 

Kaitlynn’s health journey began in November 2021, when she started  to experience severe abdominal pain that stopped her from engaging in her normal routine. When flu-like symptoms and a fever led her parents, Sumetha and Joel, to take her to the emergency room, no cause was initially found. 

“She went through all the treatment with a smile on her face. Her medical staff repeatedly used to say that she smiles all the time. Even when she is poked for medications,” said Sumetha. “She is the bravest girl we have ever seen.”

In January 2022, Kaitlynn’s condition took a sharp turn. She developed a constant fever, and her pain became so intense that she could barely walk. A pivotal moment came on February 8th, when her school called to report that she was in tears from abdominal pain. This time, her parents insisted on a blood test, fearing a kidney stone or infection. The results were far worse than they could have imagined.

“The next day, the doctor broke the devastating news to us that our precious Angel was suspected to have Leukemia. Our world shattered and came down to pieces that very moment,” Kaitlynn’s mother, Sumetha recalled. 

The official diagnosis was B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), and Kaitlynn was immediately admitted to Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH) for further tests and biopsies. The family spent over three weeks at JPCH, where Kaitlynn began chemotherapy. In the months that followed, she was hospitalized numerous times due to complications, including infections and severe side effects from the aggressive treatments.

Throughout her two-and-a-half year battle, Kaitlynn faced each challenge with remarkable bravery. She lost her long hair just two weeks into chemotherapy but never lost her infectious smile, even during the most painful procedures. 

The family credits the exceptional care at JPCH for Kaitlynn’s recovery. “The staff, nurses, and doctors were incredibly attentive and supportive,” her parents shared. “The hospital even arranged playtime and gave her toys to lift her spirits.”

Kaitlynn completed her last round of chemotherapy on May 7, 2024, ringing the hospital’s celebratory bell to mark the end of her treatment. Though in remission, her journey continues with monthly check-ups at JPCH to monitor her health.

“The nurses were so attentive. We are forever grateful for our experience at Jim Pattison Hospital,” said Joel, Kaitlynn’s dad.

Today, Kaitlynn is slowly returning to her vibrant, energetic self. While the cancer and its treatment have left lasting impacts—like struggles with schoolwork, anxiety, and lingering fatigue—she is gradually rebuilding her strength.