A New Chapter: Abigail’s Journey with Type 1 Diabetes
When every second counts, your support means everything.
At 6 a.m., paramedics were banging on the door. Abigail’s life was in danger, and no one saw it coming.
Nine-year-old Abigail had been feeling off for a while, always thirsty, frequently running to the bathroom, tired, and losing weight. Her parents thought it might just be a virus or a growth spurt, but something in her mom Richelle’s instincts said it was more than that. She ordered a blood panel, hoping to ease her own worries. Less than 24 hours later, everything changed.
The results were so alarming that BC paramedics were dispatched immediately. Abigail’s blood sugar was dangerously high, and she was in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a critical and potentially fatal complication of undiagnosed Type 1 Diabetes. Her body was beginning to shut down.
She was rushed to Royal Inland Hospital. The emergency team jumped into action the moment she arrived. The nurses moved quickly but with calm reassurance, helping Abigail feel safe despite the urgency. Abigail was admitted to the Art & Norma James Pediatric Unit, and over the next few days, her family received more than just medical care, they experienced deep, compassionate support.
“I didn’t want to leave,” Richelle says. “The entire medical team made us feel like we were their number one priority. We weren’t just watching them treat our daughter, they involved us with her care every step of the way, teaching us everything we would need to know to keep her healthy.” One pediatric nurse in particular, Dulcie, took the family under her wing. She spent four days walking Richelle and her husband Devin through every aspect of managing Type 1 Diabetes. Dr. Smith also referred to by Richelle as the “Diabetes Dynamo”, guided them with warmth and wisdom, always making time for their family’s questions and explaining things clearly.
“We left that hospital scared, yes—but informed, supported, and empowered. I truly don’t know how we would’ve gotten through those first days without Dulcie and the team.” – Richelle Stark, Grateful Mother
The new Art & Norma James Pediatric Unit itself became a place of comfort, where Abigail’s family could stay by her side throughout the entirety of her stay. Richelle explains, “The unit itself was warm and welcoming, not the cold clinical place you might expect. Abi had a comfy bed, endless movies to watch, and plenty of space for our family to gather and even get in a few rounds of cards. It felt like a space where a kid could just be a kid.”
Today Abigail is thriving. She is strong, resilient, and living a full, joyful life with Type 1 Diabetes.
“To the medical teams who took such good care of my little girl, you didn’t just save our daughter’s life. You gave us the knowledge, support, and hope to face this new chapter with strength. Day by day we are learning to manage this diagnosis, together as a family. We are so grateful to have had this healthcare system behind us when we needed it most.” – Richelle Stark, Grateful Mother
Families facing the unthinkable shouldn’t have to face it alone. Abigail’s family found compassion, answers, and life-saving care. Your gift makes that possible.
This video was lovingly created and personally shared with us by Abigail and her mom, Richelle.
