It’s been a rollercoaster of a year for the MacIsaac family after 15-year-old Daleyn was diagnosed with ANCA vasculitis, a rare autoimmune disease attacking her lungs and kidneys, in summer 2019.
Between daily trips to Sick Kids hospital and medication, the costs associated with the illness have become too heavy of a burden for the family and they are reaching out to the community once again for help.
“Without this medication, my daughter will die,” explained Minerva. The family has private insurance, but the costs are not fully covered.
Last year, the town came together in various fundraising events, including a bowl-a-thon to support Daleyn and her family through their battle.
When Daleyn was diagnosed last summer, doctors told her she would eventually need a kidney transplant. She and her family started a campaign last month, searching for potential donors.
Daleyn will be eligible for a transplant in December 2020 or January 2021, and is still looking for a matching candidate.
Over the past few weeks, Daleyn has not been able to keep food down and just this past Sunday, she was admitted to Sick Kids Hospital for stomach pain.
“She was screaming,” described Minerva, “the doctors gave her Tylenol 3."
Daleyn is still in the hospital as doctors try to figure out what is wrong.
“They are still looking at what's wrong with her,” explained Minerva, “why her body cannot accept food and why her tummy is in so much pain.”
As if dealing with one sick child wasn’t enough, Minerva and Dale also have a 10 year old son Ryan who is severely autistic who is non-verbal, requiring much attention and support.
The stress and anxiety over the past year have also caused Dale and Minerva’s own health issues to flare up, leaving Dale unable to work.
“I slept three hours last night,” shared Minerva on Wednesday morning. “I ask myself, why did God give me so many challenges?"
Minerva is self-employed with her children’s entertainment and party decor business Minerva's Creations, as well as runs an in-home daycare, but since the pandemic began she has not been able to provide many of her services.
“My business [has been] affected because I cannot do face painting, airbrush or glitter tattoos and more, I do some balloons and no daycare,” she said.
Anyone looking to help can contact Minerva directly by email at [email protected]. To make a donation to the Go Fund Me Page click here.
