Audrey’s Story

Keeping Audrey Close to Home

In the middle of the night, four-year-old Audrey began retching, burping, and throwing up in her sleep. At first, her parents thought it might be something simple like acid reflux. But as the concerning episodes continued, they rushed her to the Emergency Department at HSN. There, a pediatric doctor quickly assessed Audrey and discovered she was having seizures. She needed advanced monitoring right away in the Pediatric Step Up Unit (PSUU).

In the PSUU, Audrey received the specialized care she needed without leaving her community. She was placed on continuous cardiac monitoring and provided with 1:1 nursing care to keep her safe and closely observed. She underwent CT scans, EEGs, X-rays, and blood work, as well as a sedated MRI in HSN’s diagnostic imaging department. Because of the PSUU, Audrey’s care team was able to act quickly and effectively, preventing an immediate transfer far from home.

Under the attentive care of Dr. Murray, Dr. Hughes, Dr. Bamberger, Dr. Bohrer, and a compassionate team of nurses, Audrey’s parents felt supported and reassured through every test, every update, and every decision. The staff’s expertise, calm guidance, and dedication transformed a frightening situation into a story of hope and healing.

With two other children at home, having Audrey cared for locally made an immeasurable difference. “With two other children who have their own routines and still needed us, we were able to manage visits during the day and go home to spend time with them too,” Julie, her mom, shared. “Although Audrey was going through some difficult challenges, we had the utmost care for her and for us. The doctors, nurses, and staff went above and beyond the call of duty, and we are still very moved by the care we received. We are so grateful for the care Audrey received, and we want to thank those who make this possible for families like ours, and especially for children like Audrey.”

Stories like Audrey’s are possible because of donor support. Thanks to Wheaton Precious Metals Corp, the Sandra Schmirler Foundation, the Alice and Murray Maitland Foundation, the F.K. Morrow Foundation, and McDougall Energy, children facing urgent medical challenges can access excellent care close to home, surrounded by family, when they need it most. Your generosity truly makes a difference.