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Our Kids - Meet Kaitlyn

Within hours of being born, it was discovered that Kaitlyn had an imperforated anus and she was rushed by ambulance to The Hospital for Sick Children for immediate surgery. During her recovery from several surgeries to reconstruct her intestines and anal canal, one by one, additional serious medical conditions surfaced, ultimately leading to her diagnosis of having VACTERL Syndrome.

Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn, VACTERL Syndrome

VACTERL is an acronym used to characterize abnormalities of the Vertebrae, Anus, Cardiovascular system, Trachea, Esophagus, Renal (kidney) system, and Limbs.

Now ten years old, Kaitlyn has endured in excess of 20 surgeries and countless tests to sustain her well being. Some of her surgeries include a fundoplication surgery in which the upper curve of the stomach is wrapped around the esophagus to prevent vomiting and a feeding tube is inserted through the wall of her stomach to enable her to eat and acquire vital nutrients. A bladder augmentation and Mitroffanoff procedure has given her the ability to catheterize through a urinary stoma and the insertion of a tube that assists in the flushing of her bowels.

Kaitlyn’s life is anything but normal. She has spent a significant portion of her life in the hospital battling one problem or another. Kaitlyn’s condition has left her frail, yet despite this, she is a remarkable little girl with an incredible spirit.

Kaitlyn refers to the hospital as her second home. She has decided to give back to SickKids by joining the Children’s Council; a very select group of children who are dedicated to making SickKids a better place for kids.

Welcome to Marnie's Lounge!

SickKids Foundation

Marnie's Lounge is a recreational room at SickKids offering a wide variety of programs for kids, along with video games, board games, computers, movies and a full size pool table! The lounge is supervised by a Child Life Specialist and located on the 4th floor in the University wing. In 2007, members of the Children's Council helped give direction to the amazing new renovations to Marnie's Lounge, generously sponsored by Mattamy Homes.

Click here to watch Kaitlyn explore the new Marnie's Lounge space!

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Thousands of children like Kaitlyn need your support.