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April Doyle’s connection to CHEO predates her longstanding career at the CHEO, as a Lab Technician. It started as a toddler when she was diagnosed with epilepsy. Reflecting on her time here as a child, April remembers never feeling afraid, but the opposite – having fun! The tests she underwent were never stressful, and coming to CHEO wasn’t something she dreaded – a real testament to the care she received. Many years later, in 2001, April began working at CHEO’s Research Institute. Little did she know that a year later, her newborn daughter, Courtney, would depend on CHEO to save her life.
Midway through April’s pregnancy, she knew something was wrong. She went through rigorous genetics testing, but the results were inconclusive. Four weeks after Courtney was born, April brought her to CHEO’s Emergency Department. Shortly after they arrived, the head nephrologist told April that Courtney would need to be admitted for additional testing. After rounds of rigorous tests; it was confirmed that Courtney was born with a congenital kidney disease called Finnish Type Nephrotic Syndrome, an incredibly rare disease never before seen in Canada.
The disease was attacking Courtney’s whole body and required her to go on dialysis – something
that had never been done on a baby of her age or size. She was put on the peritoneal dialysis machine (a machine to filter and clean her blood) until she received her first kidney transplant, donated by her dad, Mike Doyle, at two years old. Those first few years with Courtney in and out of the hospital were touch and go.
While Courtney’s health journey is ongoing, including a recent difficult year due to her second kidney transplant, she still finds ways to live her best life – volunteering weekly with the Smiths Falls Special Olympics swim team, working in retail, and looking ahead to the future (one that hopefully includes lifeguarding).
Reflecting on her family’s journey with CHEO, April shares what this hospital means to her, “This
place is a lifeline.”
“At CHEO, the doctors and nurses listen,” says April, “From the moment they started caring for Courtney, they accepted me as part of her care team. I was never dismissed, and I was invited to ask my questions. For Courtney, they respected her anxieties and honoured what she needed. To this day, I thank this beautiful and innovative hospital for keeping my daughter alive, helping her thrive and allowing us to remain a family.”
CHEO is filled with stories like April’s and staff committed to making a difference. Join us.