Step Into Abby's Journey: A Story of Resilience and Advocacy
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The Domino Effect
"Vicious Vortex of Negligence"
Abby was a bright and lively child, her future full of potential, until she became a victim of medical negligence that unfolded in July 2019. Abby had an Asthma attack that was sparked from a common cold while my mother was babysitting as I was on vacation.
Abby’s trip to the emergency room became a traumatic experience, defined by numerous incidences of medical oversights and pure negligence that led to a life-threatening situation and lifelong damage to her lungs. The heart-breaking part is that this could have been avoided if these “medical professionals” and hospital had of done their jobs appropriately.
Abby needed urgent medical attention for her asthma, which is why my mother took her to the local hospital to see medical professionals. The nurse that was in charge of Abby’s care was supposed to use the Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measures Score (PRAM Score) and The Children’s Hospital Early Warning Score (CHEW Score) to assess the severity of Abby’s symptoms, which would have given her the medication Abby required. These Assessments are critical protocols for managing Asthma attacks and other life-threatening conditions to avoid life threatening complications, these assessments were not completed which means they were not followed.
"Why Have Policy, Procedures and Protcols?"
Despite Abby’s deteriorating condition, the Nurse failed to provide appropriate treatment or escalate her care urgently to the doctor who was not in the Emergency department. The gross negligence of the nurse was compounded by shortages in vital departments like Respiratory and Radiology, leading to a dangerous delay of the essential assessments and interventions Abby required.
I want everyone to understand, this nurse was not busy with emergencies, she was not overrun with work. She was sitting at the nurse’s desk relaxing, doing absolutely nothing this was not an oversight due to staffing shortages in her department, the Emergency room had very few patients admitted and the ones who were in the emergency department were sleeping, it was a very quiet night. This was intentional neglect and pure laziness which resulted in the critical failures in my daughter’s care.
Throughout the night, my mother witnessed firsthand the gross neglect my daughter suffered at the hands of the nurse. My mother tried to intervene, she begged the nurse for help, and she was met with the nurse being rude and refusing to help. The nurse signed another nurse’s name to Abby’s paperwork, the nurse that neglected my daughter did not sign her real name to anything on my daughter’s chart, Vital signs were inaccurately reported, Abby’s worsening symptoms were ignored, and necessary medications were documented as given when they were not. Despite my mother’s desperate pleas, the nurse repeatedly failed to reassess Abby’s condition or call the doctor back to the Emergency Department. Instead, she increased Abby’s oxygen to dangerously high amounts for a child Abby’s age without proper evaluation, a decision that could have had fatal consequences.
I want to be very clear this is not a case of mistaken identity, we know who this nurse is, we know her real name and nowhere on Abby’s chart did she sign her own name. Not only is this fraudulent for impersonating another nurse but it is disgraceful that a nurse could care so little about human life.
Just when you think Abby’s situation couldn’t get any worse it does! Abby’s condition continued to deteriorate in the morning hours, the Respiratory Therapist was finally requested during the morning shift. This respiratory Therapist did everything he could do, however, after 1 hour and 15 minutes of trying to turn Abby’s condition around, he recommended Abby be given magnesium sulphate (which is a drug that is used in severe Asthma Attacks to open airways up when traditional treatment fails) as well as recommended Abby be transported to a pediatric facility.
Abby's Hospital NightMare ....
During this time the morning nurse performed a Children’s Hospital Early Warning Assessment on Abby, and the result came back as Abby being critical. There was a failure to communicate the gravity of the situation to our family. My mother was standing right beside Abby, and I was on my way home and neither one of us were notified of the seriousness of her condition. It was only through her medical file that we later learned the full extent of the hospital’s neglect, including the fact that Abby’s care was impeded because the doctor overseeing her care in the morning refused to transfer her promptly to a pediatric facility as he felt she was not unstable enough, a statement that has been deeply upsetting to our family.
The worst part of this section of Abby’s morning was we did not know Abby was admitted, we thought she was still being seen by the “Emergency Room Physician” as that is the only doctor we had seen that morning. I talked to the Emergency Room Physician via facetime, unbeknownst to us she was called in on a consult by the night doctor before he left from his shift at 7 am, she was trying a few more interventions to attempt opening Abby’s airways.
What Other Families Are Saying
Continuation of Abbys Journey ...
The doctor who was in charge of Abby’s care did not assess Abby, he had the nurse assess Abby and he wrote down the nurses’ findings, the nurse covered the negligence up by writing in Abby’s chart that “the attending” physician was assessing Abby, which never happened. When this doctor was notified, Abby was critical he stated that Abby was not unstable enough for transport and he was seeing his own patients and would be in later and repeated this twice. It is clear to me Abby’s mother that his patients in his clinic meant more to him than my critical 3-year-old little girl. This entry in Abby’s chart broke my heart as how can he say she was not unstable enough; how could he shrug her care off and refuse to treat her.
The pain and trauma of this incident are etched into my family’s memory—The heart-wrenching drive back from vacation, the fear of losing Abby, The trauma and pain of Abby’s screams and cries in the trauma bay while they waited for life flight to arrive, the image that is burned into my parent’s memories of her being loaded into a helicopter screaming for my mother, watching helplessly from the parking lot as Abby was airlifted to the hospital. Our family’s trust in the medical system has been deeply shaken, Abby has developed anxiety and fear that persist years later.
Abby’s story is not just about a series of medical errors; it’s a blatant example of how systemic failures and individual negligence combine to cause irreversible harm. It’s a cautionary journey about the critical importance of following medical protocols and the devastating impact when they are not followed. Abby, once a child with a promising future, now faces a lifelong battle and permanent lung damage because of the night she was let down by those entrusted with her care in place she should have been safe.
The Ripple Effect
Abby who is now 8 years old battles Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis which is a lung condition that not very common and is wildly underdiagnosed in Canada. Non-CF childhood bronchiectasis is a lung condition that affects children who do not have cystic fibrosis (CF). In simple terms, bronchiectasis causes the airways in the lungs, called bronchi, to become widened and damaged over time. This damage can lead to the buildup of mucus, which can cause infections and breathing difficulties.
For Abby, everyday activities like enjoying ice cream or laughing with friends can trigger coughing and breathing problems, needing medication to help her breathe. She was diagnosed with this condition alongside asthma and recurrent lung lobular collapses (Atelectasis).
The initial cause of Abby’s bronchiectasis was a mucus plug in 2019, which went unnoticed by her medical team. When she returned to school for 1 year and interacting with others, her symptoms have become more obvious and severe, leading to frequent illnesses and missed school days.
Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, if not properly managed, can lead to several complications. It primarily results in repeated lung infections due to damaged airways that hinder mucus clearance, leading to frequent infections. Over time, airway damage worsens, causing scarring and significant breathing difficulties, especially during physical activities. A chronic, persistent cough that produces a large amount of mucus is a key symptom. Individuals may also experience significant fatigue as the body expends energy clearing the lungs and fighting infections. Occasionally, the airways may bleed, leading to blood in the mucus. In severe cases, the lungs can fail to provide enough oxygen to the body or remove carbon dioxide, resulting in life-threatening respiratory failure. Chronic lung diseases like bronchiectasis can also increase the risk of heart problems by raising pressure in the arteries between the heart and lungs.
The goal of treating bronchiectasis, including non-CF bronchiectasis, is to manage symptoms and prevent further lung damage. However, these treatments can have side effects or negatively impact quality of life over the long term. Treatments that weaken the immune system can increase infection risks. Long-term antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic resistance, complicating future treatments. Some medications, including antibiotics, may cause gastrointestinal issues like stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea. Additionally, drugs used for severe infections may cause hearing and kidney problems if not carefully monitored.
Abby experiences fatigue, weakness, respiratory distress, and nausea on a daily basis. Despite her resilience, Abby feels the physical and emotional weight of her condition, from fear of playing outside to feeling upset about her situation.
In short, Abby’s condition affects her lungs and makes it harder for her to breathe and be active like other kids her age. It’s a challenging journey for her and our family, and we are working towards finding the best way to manage her symptoms, improve her quality of life, raise awareness for bronchiectasis and atelectasis as well as advocate for change!
Meet Our Family
We are a family of six. I had to pause my full-time career due to the stress related to Abby’s health issues. It’s crucial for me to prioritize Abby, ensuring she receives everything necessary and attends her numerous appointments. Abby is currently facing a challenging period in her life. As Abby’s needs have intensified, I’ve been compelled to concentrate on her well-being, as well as on my other children and my own. My two incredible sons, aged 12 and 7, are both endearing and have high-functioning Autism with ADHD and Anxiety. As a single mother and survivor of domestic violence, I face these challenges head-on.
My parents have made the selfless decision to move in with us, sacrificing their retirement to provide unwavering support to me and my children. While I focus on Abby’s increasing medical needs, my dad (Papa to the kids) looks after my sons in the comfort of our home, where they feel safest. This has been especially important as our trips to the Children’s Hospital have become more frequent and emotionally draining. These long drives often leave us exhausted, and returning to the hotel only to process difficult news about Abby, knowing it was caused by those who were supposed to protect her, is incredibly painful. My parents’ presence—whether caring for the boys at home or offering a shoulder to lean on when I’m overwhelmed—has been essential. Their support isn’t just financial; it’s a lifeline that helps us navigate the hardest days with love and strength.
To ensure my children’s educational needs are met, we’ve turned to homeschooling. It’s too risky for Abby to attend school with the current viral threats, which could be life-threatening for her. Her brothers have also opted for homeschooling, not only to protect Abby from potential illnesses but also because of the challenges they’ve faced.
Before we learned about the medical negligence that harmed Abby, we were already struggling with Matthew being severely bullied at school. One incident was so extreme that Matthew was choked by a bully, leaving him unable to speak properly for days. Despite our pleas, the school did very little to address the bullying, and even refused to contact the martial arts program the bully belonged to, protecting the bully instead.
This lack of support extended to Abby as well; the school officials failed to take her health seriously, even when her breathing worsened. On one terrifying occasion, they waited too long to call, leaving my Dad having to rush to the school where he found her having a severe breathing problem, all because the school officials refused to call me.
Our decision to homeschool wasn’t just about the risks to Abby’s health, although that was definitely the main reason — it was also from a necessity because the school failed to protect and support my children in the ways they needed most.
Our Mission - Growing Abbys Community
Abby’s Breath of Hope is a website and community committed to raising awareness and advocating for those affected by non-CF bronchiectasis and atelectasis. Our goal is to demand change in our medical system to prevent further medical negligence.
Based on our harrowing experience and the shock of seeing how a health authority can harm a human being and walk away from it, we find this not only unacceptable but downright disgusting. Sadly, we all know too well that it happens, and I’m sure you have witnessed or know someone who has been harmed by a system that is supposed to heal and manage our health challenges.
We’re not claiming to stand on a pedestal, shouting that we will single-handedly bring about change—realistically, that change may be something we never see. But we must at least try to bring attention to this situation, with the hope that no other child endures what Abby is now going through. Abby was born healthy, with no underlying health conditions, and this ordeal has completely altered her life.
We are dedicated to the multifaceted mission of growing Abby’s community, funding her ongoing care, raising awareness of bronchiectasis and atelectasis, and advocating for change in our broken Canadian medical system—a system our leaders would have us believe only became flawed during COVID. Abby is living proof that this is not the case.
This isn’t about seeking drama or sensationalizing what happened to Abby. It’s about raising awareness to help others avoid such a terrible ordeal. Keeping silent is your choice, and honestly, there is no judgment here—especially in today’s political and social environment, where it often feels like nothing will change. However, for those who choose to help by sharing this story, or by purchasing something from our online store—whether it’s merchandise or books—we deeply appreciate your support.
And for those who choose to support Abby through a purchase, please know that your identity is kept private and secure. Your information is never shared or publicly displayed because it’s no one else’s business but yours. Your support means everything to us, and your privacy is our priority.
Become a Champion For Abby
Join Abby’s Circle of Hope and be more than just a supporter—be a champion for change. As a member of Abby’s Circle, you’ll receive exclusive updates, premium access to our community, and special discounts on merchandise that supports our cause. You’ll also be entered into our monthly gratitude draw, once we reach 1,000 subscribers, as our way of saying thank you for standing with us.
Together, we’re not just raising awareness; we’re building a movement to ensure that no child has to endure what Abby has faced. Every voice, every action, every person in Abby’s Circle makes a difference. Join us, and let’s make an impact together.
Supporting Abby’s Journey
We understand that not everyone is in a position to offer financial help, and that’s okay. Your presence here means the world to us. For those who are able to contribute, we are deeply grateful. It takes immense courage to ask for help and even more to accept it, but knowing that you trust us enough to support Abby’s journey is truly humbling—especially in a time when online scams are so prevalent.
Every contribution, whether big or small, plays a vital role in our mission to raise awareness, advocate for change, and ensure Abby receives the care and justice she deserves. Your support helps us share her story with the world, making a difference in the lives of others who face similar challenges.
Whether you choose to purchase merchandise or simply make a donation, we deeply appreciate your support. Please note that while we cannot provide a special receipt for tax purposes, you will receive a receipt as proof of your donation, which is refundable within 14 days if you change your mind. We understand that circumstances can change, and we’re committed to honoring refunds within this period. Beyond 14 days, unfortunately, we can’t offer refunds due to the costs and expenditures we face, but we hope you feel confident in your decision to support Abby.
We also want to assure you that anyone who helps financially will never have their information publicly displayed or sold. We hold the utmost respect for your privacy and would never compromise that trust. Our website is secure, meaning your personal and payment information is protected, so you can feel confident that your support is both safe and private.
If you’d like to support Abby’s journey, consider purchasing merchandise from her collection or making a donation. Each act of kindness not only funds her care and legal advocacy but also amplifies her story, spreading awareness and fostering a broader impact.
"Abby’s Journey Through Her Eyes" - A Heartfelt Creation
As an example of our product offerings, Abby has created a heartfelt book that illustrates her journey, capturing what she went through and how she feels and felt throughout her experiences. Abby’s mom helped her polish a few words, but the thoughts and emotions are truly Abby’s own. Her mom also brought the story to life with beautiful illustrations and carefully put the book together.
“Abby’s Journey Through Her Eyes” is more than just a book—it’s a powerful testament to Abby’s incredible resilience and strength. Every purchase directly supports Abby, acknowledging the bravery it took for her to share her deeply personal and emotional story.
When you engage with Abby’s Breath of Hope, you’re not just supporting one child’s battle—you’re joining a broader movement for justice and systemic change. We invite you to stand with us, support our mission, and help ensure that no other child endures the suffering that Abby has faced.
Our Goals is Travel to Boston Children's Hospital for a Second Opion.
Why We Seek Care at Boston Children’s Hospital
Our desire to take Abby to Boston Children’s Hospital stems from the many positive things we’ve heard about their expertise and compassionate care in handling complex cases like Abby’s. We want to ensure that she receives the best possible treatment, especially given our concerns with her current care.
The children’s hospital currently responsible for Abby’s care is part of the same health authority that neglected her in the first place. Unfortunately, our experience with this hospital has been challenging. There have been unnecessary delays, and we’ve received misleading information. This all came to a head when the first specialist on Abby’s case discovered that we were pursuing legal action against the health authority he worked for. After that, his approach to Abby’s care changed drastically, and he began to treat her as if her issues were minor or nonexistent. Concerned for Abby’s well-being, we made the difficult decision to remove him from her case.
We even had a meeting with the CEO of the Children’s Hospital, where they apologized and promised to move forward with urgency and care. While the new specialist seems competent, the many errors made by the health authority have left us questioning whether they truly have Abby’s best interests at heart. This is why we feel it’s crucial to seek a second opinion from Boston Children’s Hospital—to ensure that Abby receives the care she needs and deserves, without the shadow of past mistakes affecting her treatment.
Broaden Awareness and Advocate for Justice
Strengthen Abby’s Breath of Hope by engaging with and promoting our content on social media. While systemic change may be a daunting challenge, every post you share helps to ignite a movement for justice and brings much-needed attention to the issues of medical negligence.
Our healthcare system has determined that Abby’s life is worth nothing, a heartbreaking reality that we cannot accept. By sharing our story, we can ensure that influential figures and community leaders are made aware of the devastating impact of medical negligence. While we may not be able to change the system overnight, we can shed light on these injustices and demand accountability.
Our provincial leaders must prioritize our healthcare needs by ensuring that hospital staff are thoroughly trained and vigilant in identifying all diseases, including rare ones. It’s not enough to blame viruses or mental health issues without investigating deeper causes when a person’s health is consistently in jeopardy. Rare doesn’t mean non-existent.
Consider how we handle negligence outside the healthcare system. When a parent neglects their child, leading to severe health issues, Child Protective Services steps in, the police get involved, and the negligent parent faces serious consequences. Society and the legal system work together to protect the child and ensure justice.
But when a nurse, doctor, or hospital fails a patient through negligence, the response is often different. These medical professionals and institutions frequently evade full accountability. This discrepancy raises a critical question: Why is the response so different when the harm comes from within the healthcare system? If we demand accountability from a negligent parent, shouldn’t we expect the same from medical staff?
It’s about fairness and the principle that no one is above the law—not a parent, not a doctor, not a nurse, and certainly not a hospital. If we can mobilize to protect a child from a negligent parent, we should be equally committed to pursuing justice when the negligence comes from those sworn to do no harm. Every child, like Abby, who is harmed through medical negligence, deserves the same level of protection and advocacy.
While we may not see immediate change, our voices, our stories, and our collective outrage can make a difference. By standing together, we can push for accountability and ensure that no one—regardless of their position—is above the law.
Join Forces with Abby’s Breath of Hope
We believe that together, we can create meaningful change and raise awareness for Abby’s journey and the many others like hers. If you’re inspired to collaborate with us—whether it’s through an event, a campaign, or another creative idea—we’d love to hear from you.
Your involvement means the world to us and can make a real difference in the fight for justice and better healthcare.
Please reach out to us at [email protected], and let’s explore how we can make an impact together.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Embark on an inspiring journey with us as we share Abby’s story across our vibrant social media channels. Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow our exciting updates on YouTube.
Looking for a meaningful gift? Consider a copy of Abby’s enchanting book—it’s a perfect way to share her strength and courage with that special little one in your life. Click here for an exclusive sneak peek!
Curious to learn more about our mission? Dive deeper into our story and see how you can be part of this important cause.
Your engagement on social media, along with any collaborations and sponsorships, is more than welcomed—it’s essential in creating meaningful change, not just for Abby but for countless other children facing similar challenges.
Divided We Fall, But Together We Stand!
We know the challenges of facing these issues alone, but together, we can make a difference. Every like, share, and contribution strengthens our collective voice and helps us stand united against the injustices faced by children like Abby.
Consider the Consequences for Your Family…
What Steps Will You Take to Protect Them?
This journey is not just about Abby; it’s about every family. What would you do to protect your loved ones? Reflect on the steps you can take to ensure they are safe and cared for in a system that sometimes falls short.
Join Us in Shaping a Brighter and
Healthier Future for Abby and Countless Others!
We recognize the hurdles we all face, and we are deeply thankful for any support you or someone you know can offer. Every contribution helps ease the financial strain that Abby’s mother endures due to medical negligence. Your support truly makes a significant impact. Together, we can shape a brighter and healthier future for Abby and countless others facing similar challenges.