A grieving mother is appealing for public assistance following the death of her young daughter, who passed away after complications related to Lupus.
Katrina Oliver says she and her husband are struggling to cover burial expenses for their eldest child, Katelyn, who died on Boxing Day. The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $20,000 to help lay their daughter to rest.
“We’re asking for your help with sending our baby off the way she deserves,” Oliver shared.
Katelyn, who just graduated from NGM Major High School, was described by her mother as joyful, humble, and deeply loving, and was known for her bright smile and infectious laugh. “She was always smiling,” Oliver said. “Her bubbly personality could light up any room.”
Diagnosed with Lupus at the age of 12, Katelyn had been living with the chronic illness for several years. According to her mother, she was admitted to St. Louis Children’s Hospital after experiencing flu-like symptoms. Doctors later discovered fluid around her lungs.
After receiving treatment, including medication intended to help her body release the excess fluid, Katelyn was discharged. However, she was rushed back to the hospital shortly afterward after experiencing severe chest pain.
During a subsequent medical procedure, Oliver says her daughter went into cardiac arrest.
“During the sedation, her heart stopped,” she recalled. “When they told me that, for a moment, so did mine.”
Doctors performed CPR for approximately 25 minutes before placing Katelyn on a heart pump. Oliver was later told that her daughter had suffered a severe brain injury due to a lack of oxygen.
“Again, my heart felt like it stopped,” she said.
Four days later, Katelyn passed away.
Oliver says her faith has helped carry her family through the unimaginable loss. “The Lord spoke to me and said, ‘She is with me. You can rest,’” she shared. “We felt peace, but our hearts were shattered.”
Since their daughter’s hospitalization, Oliver says neither she nor her husband has been able to return to work, compounding the financial strain during their time of mourning.
Members of the public who wish to assist the Oliver family can do so using the following details:
Name: Katrina Oliver
Bank: CIBC FirstCaribbean
Branch: Carmichael Road
Transit: 09736
Account: 201708957
Account Type: Chequing
Cash App: $K8ieO