Miracle Story Natanis

Since in the womb, Natanis from Saskatoon, SK., has fought for her life and is the “strongest, toughest little human” her mom Kristen knows. Kristen was told by her family doctor that her pregnancy was not expected to last three months and if it did the baby would have complications.

“It broke my heart,” said Kristen. “ I sat in the doctor’s office crying my eyes out with the thought in the back of my head that I’d lose my baby.” 

Despite the predictions, each check-up showed positive progress in her pregnancy. As her August 6, 2019, due date neared, she developed gestational diabetes, leading to an induced labor plan on July 30. However, her water broke on July 24, and baby Natanis was born early.

Natanis soon developed jaundice and struggled to eat. By her two-week check-up, she hadn’t gained weight, prompting further examinations. These revealed low weight, a small head, a large heart hole, and low muscle tone. At one and a half months, Natanis was hospitalized for over a week, undergoing extensive tests without conclusive results. Genetic tests were ordered for her and her parents. By two months old, thicker feeds were introduced to aid weight gain, but her health remained unstable and the root of her health issues remained a mystery. 

“We became regulars at the hospital, we didn’t even have to say who my baby was anymore the team at the emergency department knew her case,” said Kristen.

She began physical and occupational therapy, where they helped her with stretching and exercises. At the age of one, she started having seizures and was diagnosed with atonic seizures, leading to a scheduled sleep study at JPCH. At two years old, Natanis faced double pneumonia and ear infections, followed by another hospitalization for RSV and pneumonia six months later. 

At two and a half years old Natanis finally received her diagnosis, CASK-associated genetic disorder; an intellectual disability that is caused by a disorder of the development of CASK protein in brain development and function. At three years old, Natanis required hearing aids and went through G-tube surgery.

Kristen is incredibly thankful for the exceptional care Natanis receives at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital which has impacted her career choice.

“My experience couldn’t have been any better, the staff at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital go over and beyond to care for their patients. We had one nurse who stayed and watched my baby while my family was dealing with a tragic event in the trauma unit. I feel that nurses and professional caregivers do not get enough credit for the jobs that they do, this inspired me to become a nurse. I am finishing my second year of pre-professional classes to register for the College of Nursing.”

Today as a five-year-old, her favorite word is “mom,” she delights in swimming, swinging, watching TV, and listening to classic country and powwow music. To date, she has been seen by a neurologist, cardiologist, speech therapist, pulmonologist, dietitian, and audiologist, among other specialists at JPCH. Despite ongoing challenges, she is now gaining weight and muscle tone.

Kristin and her family face a challenging journey as they navigate Natanis’s medical journey and deeply understand the need for a provincial children’s hospital close to home. 

“I believe that the community of Saskatchewan could even donate even $1 to help children with medical needs, as Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital is the only children’s hospital in the province. Having proper medical equipment to care for these children is an essential need. Without the proper equipment children like my daughter would not receive the utmost care that is provided.”

Donate to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Radiothon to help kids like Natanis!