Fourteen-year-old Daleyn MacIssac who was recently diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called vasculitis, was back at the hospital for her dialysis appointment on Monday, when doctors told her that she needed to stay overnight due to concerns over her high levels of urea in her blood. If not monitored, this could cause a stroke or heart attack.
Daleyn, who was supposed to attend school for the first time this year on Monday, was devastated when she found out she wouldn't be able to attend.
"My daughter said she doesn't want dialysis now. She is losing hope," said her concerned mother, Minerva MacIssac.
"My daughter's condition is not stable," she said. Meaning, some days Daleyn feels fine, but others, she is extremely ill.
The ups and downs and uncertainty about the exact type of vasculitis she has is putting a lot of stress on the family, both financially and emotionally. It is likely Daleyn will require a kidney transplant in the near future, once her health is a little more stabilized.
Minerva was told by a doctor that it could take one year before the kidney transplant to happen because Daleyn's condition is not stable. The doctor also told them that Daleyn's valcutius is like an asthma, and will stay in her body long after the transplant is done.
When asked how Minerva was coping with the situation, she said she is trying to remain positive.
"I know that my daughter is in good hands at Sick Kids. I still believe in prayers and a miracle," she said.
Friends of the family, Olivera Pavlovic and Julie Vuong-Quinto, have set up a Go Fund Me page to help the MacIsaacs during this time of need. The goal is to raise $10,000 to help the family with their household expenses while they focus on getting their daughter back to good health. So far, the page has raised almost $2,000.
Pavlovic is the organizer of Kidzapalooz Family Festivals that Minerva participates in with her children's entertainment company, Minerva's Creations, providing face painting services.
"They are such a wonderful, hardworking and generous family," she said.
"Daleyn works all the events with her mom. At such a young age she works so hard, is extremely talented, her face paiting creations are simply amazing. She is so mature for her age and has such a great spirit. To see such a young person with so much potential be affected by a random disease like this is heart wrenching and soul crushing."
To make a donation, visit the page here.
