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Our Kids - Meet Patricia

Patricia's story begins in Ecuador. Shortly after birth, she developed unusual symptoms. Her skin turned a yellowish hue, her appetite deteriorated and she cried frequently. Not knowing what to do, her mother reached out to doctors in the community but they could not give her a diagnosis. One recommended Patricia and her family seek treatment in North America.

Fortunately, Patricia's father, a Canadian citizen, had family living in Toronto. Infant Patricia and her family travelled directly from the airport to The Hospital for Sick Children to begin treatment.

Patricia, Alagille syndrome

Patricia went through the whole gamut of tests and procedures. Ten days after arriving at SickKids, specialists at the hospital diagnosed her with Alagille syndrome, a rare disorder that affects many organs in the body. If left undiagnosed, Alagille syndrome is fatal.

Patricia has undergone three major surgeries at SickKids, the first at only eight months old. In 2006, her medication no longer adequately treated her symptoms and her liver became damaged. After exhausting all options, doctors put Patricia on the liver transplant waiting list. She received a life-changing transplant in February 2007.

Patricia's progress has been astonishing. Although she visits the hospital frequently for appointments and is admitted on occasion, she continues to improve.

This year, Patricia, 11, is representing SickKids as the ambassador for the Children's Miracle Network Champions Across Canada presented by Wal-Mart Canada. Throughout the year, she will represent SickKids through events and speaking engagements. Patricia is a true champion.

The liver transplant program at SickKids has one of the best post-transplant survival rates in North America and is the largest paediatric liver transplant program in Canada.

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