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Our Kids - Meet Kathryn

Heather has spent many nights comforting her daughter, Kathryn, when she's had a cold or a tummy ache. But on one night in June 2008, when Kathryn spent the entire evening sick to her stomach, Heather found an unusual symptom. While rubbing her daughter's tummy, Heather felt a small lump near the belly button and knew something was wrong.

The following morning, Heather and her husband took Kathryn to their family doctor for an X-ray and ultrasound. The test results revealed a tumour in Kathryn's abdomen and Kathryn was immediately referred to The Hospital for Sick Children for further examination.

Kathryn, Stage 4 Neuroblastoma

After a range of tests, including CT scans, bone scans, biopsies and blood work, the family received devastating news. Kathryn suffered from Stage 4 neuroblastoma, a cancer of the nervous system that typically begins in one of the adrenal glands in the abdomen and often spreads to other organs. Neuroblastoma mainly occurs in young children and is often difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can be vague and can mimic a number of other diseases.

By the time Kathryn arrived at SickKids, the tumour had spread to her bone marrow. She spent more than two weeks at the hospital undergoing more tests and procedures and intensive chemotherapy treatments. Kathryn underwent surgery to remove her tumour in October and is receiving additional chemotherapy. She will have a bone marrow transplant soon.

Kathryn is currently at home with her family, but continues to make regular visits to the hospital. Although her energy levels are low and she is missing out on her favourite activities like playing outside and riding a bike, she continues to be her usual self: a strong, confident and high-spirited little girl.

Each year in Ontario, about 25 children like Kathryn are diagnosed with neuroblastoma. If the child is over the age of one, it's more likely that their cancer will be more widespread at diagnosis.

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