Help Maggie and family with medical tragedy

Maggie and her family need some help.

On August 4, 2021 Kate and Pat Joslin’s daughter Maggie, was diagnosed with a very large tumour taking up the majority of her spinal cord (a pilocystic astrosytoma). She was rushed from Kingston to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto suffering from a severe lack of feeling in her extremities. Following 9.5 hours of life saving surgery on her spine, Maggie was left paralyzed with no feeling below her neck, an acute onset of quadriplegia. The tumor will not go away and may cause further complications later in life as Maggie continues to grow. To help minimize the effects of the tumor, Maggie has started receiving a dose of chemotherapy weekly, which she will continue to get over the next 17 months. She has been at the Holland Bloorview Rehabilitation Hospital for Kids since September 8th and has regained some strength and mobility in her arms.

Maggie is a bright six-year-old that loves art, science and exploring the outdoors with her family. She has not been home since August 4th and the Joslin family has been separated since. One parent is always by Maggie's side in Toronto, and the other taking care of her 3-year-old sister Rosie, the farm, and the rest of their life in Verona, ON.

Due to the extent of Maggie’s paralysis, there are many steps that must be taken for her to return home and continue with treatment in Kingston.

Treatment - includes 72 weekly doses of chemotherapy for the tumour in her spine. The goal of the chemo is to stop the tumor's growth and potentially even shrink it. Last Chemo treatment will be administered in February of 2023. 3 physiotherapy and 3 occupational therapy session a week for at least another year. These treatments are located at Kingston General Hospital and Hotel Dieu Hospital, 37 km one way from the Joslin’s home in Verona.

Wheelchair – the wheelchair must be electric powered and specialized with tilt features to relieve stress on pressure points. The wheelchair will weigh approximately 300 pounds and will need to be replaced as Maggie grows older.

Home Renovations – a ramp must be built, and doors and entrance ways widened. The floors in the downstairs of the home must be reinforced to support the weight of the chair, the bathroom must be renovated to be accessible, and a lift will need to be installed to access second floor of the house.

Vehicle – an accessible van equipped with a ramp is required, and due to the weight of the specialized wheel chair the conversion must include a lowered and reinforced floor

Investment for the future – Maggie will continue to need help in the future. As she grows, she will need another wheelchair, the van will have to be replaced and she may need help with a personal caregiver.

All donations are greatly appreciated to help offset some of these major costs.