Two-year-old Ariannah Sanderson is battling cancer in Saskatoon. (GoFundMe)

By Derek Cornet

fundraiser

Toddler battling leukemia in Saskatoon hospital

Apr 20, 2020 | 2:24 PM

Krista Sanderson is thankful for all the support she’s received since her two-year-old daughter Ariannah was diagnosed with leukemia about a week ago.

It was March 19 when Sanderson first became concerned about Ariannah’s health after she woke up with pains in her belly. As a Lac La Ronge Indian Band member living in Prince Albert, she took her to the city’s emergency department where Ariannah was treated for constipation and a high fever. The toddler was subsequently released, but about four days later she was in pain again.

“She woke up crying in pain, so we went back and did blood tests at that time,” Sanderson said, adding a CT scan, X-rays and an ultrasound were also done.

Ariannah spent about a week in the Victoria Hospital before she was released again before Easter. It was not long, however, before she was in emergency room again and that’s when she received the diagnoses.

She arrived at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon about six days ago. Sanderson said her daughter has been in and out of surgeries ever since and she expects treatment for Ariannah will begin soon.

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“The first surgery she had was a bone marrow sample they took from her, then they gave her a break for a day,” Sanderson said. “They have been doing blood tests everyday. Today they did a spinal fluid lumbar puncture to see if the leukemia spread to her spinal fluids. I’m just waiting for results from the cancer doctor right now about that.”

With the threat of COVID-19 and the social distancing restrictions in place, Sanderson mentioned it’s made the situation more difficult and lonely. She noted she’s scared to go out in public and is disappointed members of her family can’t visit her in the hospital.

In an effort to remain financially healthy during this time, Sanderson launched a GoFundMe account two days ago which has already reached close to $6,000 out of a $2,000 goal. The funds will be used for medical expenses, transportation, accommodations, household bills and to care for her three other children who she had to leave at home with their grandparents.

“I didn’t think it would be shared so much and didn’t realize how many people who would help me through this,” Sanderson said. “I really appreciate everything people have been doing. A lot of people have been helping to get me through with their kind words. It’s made me cry a few times and I really appreciate them.”

Those who would like to make a donation to the GoFundMe account can do so here.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno