Izzy's Story
"When Izzy was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis the whole team rallied round: Prof. Cox was amazing, as were the nurses who were always right there to talk when we needed them."
-Emma, Izzy’s Mum.
Something was wrong
When Izzy was born Emma and Dan were completely overjoyed. They were ecstatic to bring their beautiful baby girl home, to start their new life with her two big brothers. But then, barely a day after leaving the hospital, they were in an ambulance being rushed to Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin. They’d grown concerned because she wasn’t feeding or pooping and as the night progressed, she began vomiting bile. Something was wrong.
At first, Izzy had an urgently needed procedure to correct a bowel obstruction, but the surgical team suggested there was a deeper issue. There was a chance she might have cystic fibrosis. And so, they spent the first few weeks of Izzy’s life in the Nazareth Ward in Crumlin, filled with dread and anxiety while tests were carried out.
The diagnosis
Eventually, at six-weeks-old and after a series of medical tests, it was confirmed: Izzy has cystic fibrosis. Izzy’s parents were stunned and had so many questions.
“I was so thankful to be at Crumlin during this period. As soon as they told us Izzy’s diagnosis Dr Cox reassured us that medical advances meant that she had a good chance of managing her illness,’’ recalls Emma, Izzy’s mum.
The staff in Crumlin made sure to support Izzy’s family any way they could by supplying a fold-out bed for their comfort when they needed to be by her side and giving them access to a kitchen for the parents of little patients which allowed them to speak to other parents going through a similar situation to them.
Crumlin became like a second home. The whole team rallied round to support their family: “Prof. Cox was amazing, as were the nurses who were always right there to talk when we needed them.’’
Izzy's first Christmas
In December 2019, just before Izzy’s first Christmas, they got amazing news. Prof. Cox told them that Izzy would be eligible when she reaches age four or five to begin a revolutionary drug therapy that could be a gamechanger for her long-term health.
It was an emotional time for Emma and she remembers getting the news and feeling like it was the closest thing to hearing there was a cure. This made Izzy’s first Christmas all the more special.
Today Izzy is thriving!
She is full of personality and has a great sense of humour. Since Izzy’s diagnosis she has to keep up with a daily routine: her nebulizers, her physiotherapy, her various medications. As Izzy has grown she has even started to do some of these tasks herself.
Although it can be a lot to manage, it is part of their routine now and it is vital to keeping Izzy healthy and safe from dangerous infections. Izzy enjoys going back to Crumlin for check-ups every three months, thanks to the staff who are always there to help and try to make it as positive an experience as possible.
The difference your support makes to little patients and their families
This Christmas your donations can help give sick and critically-ill children in Children’s Health Ireland hospitals and urgent care centres the very best chance, and give their families comfort and hope at a difficult time.
There are so many ways in which your kindness today could make a big and lasting difference.
With the help of our supporters, we were able to fund a Cystic Fibrosis and Respiratory Outpatient Unit in Temple Street, which is a godsend to vulnerable children like Izzy, providing comprehensive care as well as a specific area safe from infection.
Your support also helps provide the little comforts that means so much to families who find themselves in crisis:like a pair of pyjamas and a toothbrush when they’ve been left behind in an emergency.
Perhaps you could make a child’s birthday special and memorable, if they have to spend it in hospital during a long-term stay.
Please donate today and help give compassionate, world-class care to sick children and the gift of hope and comfort to their families this Christmas.