Miracle Story Jayda

Jayda from Southey, SK., was born a healthy baby, with a full head of black hair and a cute birthmark on her chin. Her parents never expected the harrowing health journey that lay ahead.

Shortly after bringing Jayda home, her birthmark began to change, turning red and raised, and spreading to her bottom lip, the tip of her tongue, her neck, the side of her face and around her right ear. Realizing the seriousness, her family rushed Jayda to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH), where she was immediately admitted. There, they learned she had facial hemangiomas, a growth of blood vessels on her skin. 

“Jayda was a IVF miracle baby and we begged and prayed and waited a long time for her to come to us. To learn she had these facial hemangiomas was disheartening as no parents want to hear something is wrong with their baby,  but it is her story and the way God made her,” said Nicole, Jayda’s mom.

Extensive tests, including an MRI and ultrasound, were conducted to ensure that the hemangiomas were not affecting her brain, throat, heart, or other vital organs. Thankfully, the initial results were normal, and Jayda started medication that required careful monitoring due to its blood pressure-lowering effects.

In January, Jayda’s health took another turn when she began wheezing. By February, her breathing difficulties escalated, prompting another urgent trip to JPCH. A scope revealed that 90% of her airway was blocked by a hemangioma. During the procedure, Jayda’s airway collapsed, and the use of a high-flow CPAP machine was necessary to prevent further obstruction.

“It wasn’t until we received the news of the subglottic hemangioma that we were devastated. If we didn’t take Jayda to JPCH there is a chance that she would not be here with us today,” said Nicole.

Jayda was medicated with steroids to reduce the hemangiomas, improving her breathing and shrinking the blockage in her airway to 75%. Despite the side effects, including significant weight gain and puffiness, the treatment was a success. “Her amazing pediatrician closely followed up with Jayda and we can’t thank her enough for the care she has given Jayda,” said Nicole. 

Over 105 days of steroids, four scopes, and numerous doctor appointments later, Jayda is now steroid-free. Her parents express profound gratitude to her dedicated pediatrician and the entire medical team at JPCH for their unwavering care and support.

“JPCH was a God sent. As a new mom, I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving my brand new baby alone during her stay there. The nurses were amazing and always made me feel welcome and accommodated my every need,” said Nicole.

Today, Jayda is a vibrant, sassy and beautiful two-and-a-half-year-old with a love for animals, residing on an acreage filled with cats, dogs and chickens. Although she still has some facial lesions, her family remains hopeful they will clear up over time.

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