Gregory Doucet
It was not until a routine visit to the paediatrician at a year-and-a-half old that led to the diagnosis that changed everything.
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Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation
Two years ago, Sydnee was diagnosed with a serious heart condition and underwent surgery in Edmonton. While the operation to correct her heart was successful, when Sydnee woke up, she couldn’t speak, read or even recognize letters of the alphabet. An MRI revealed that Sydnee had suffered a massive stroke during her operation. Her right side was paralyzed and as an avid dancer, it was her worst fear come true.
Sydnee recognized her mom and dad, but her only ways of communicating were eye contact or limited movements. It was when she was transferred to the Alberta Children’s Hospital to begin a very long road of recovery that she met a neurologist and his team. One of the treatments she had to help with her rehabilitation was a robotic device called the KINARM. This robot allowed Sydnee to play video games designed to help her motor and sensory recovery.
While dancing may have taken a backseat for now, Sydnee’s determined attitude has helped her to excel in other areas, and even got up on her surfboard this summer at the lake. Sydnee has a very profound understanding of not only what she’s been through, but what was done for her to save her life and get her up walking and talking again.
