Supporting the Sonnenbergs

On Tuesday, 8th October, Katie & Tyler Sonnenberg welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Georgia Katherine, to the world. Georgia completed their family of four and is the new baby sister to her elder brother, Henry and their beloved dog Hunter.

Unfortunately, the joyous emotions were short lived when, after suffering from some severe headaches, Katie was admitted to the hospital three days later on Friday, 11th October with what emerged to be a brain bleed and associated swelling. After some initial scans, the decision was made to airlift her to Hamilton General Hospital where urgent brain surgery was performed to try to keep our beautiful girl exactly where she was supposed be.

Tragically, despite the best efforts of the neurology team, the surgery performed could not save Katie and we lost her on Wednesday, 16th October, just over a week after the birth of her precious second child. Doctors believe that postpartum cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome was the reason for Katie’s tragic passing.

Tyler, Henry and Georgia are going to need to navigate this world without their beloved wife and mother. We want to provide as much support as we can for Tyler to be able to focus on Katie’s utmost priority, loving her two babies.

During her wonderful but short life, Katie has repeatedly shown up for so many of us as a friend, cheerleader, colleague and caregiver in times of need. Now that Katie’s family needs our help, we all want to be there for her however we can.

Financial support will go towards night nurses, childcare, formula, transportation and immediate expenses that will support Tyler in giving Henry and Georgia the care they need. Any donations beyond the most critical costs will go towards Henry and Georgia’s future educational savings.

Katie is now with her sister, Carly, who passed away on December 31st 2018. Only two percent of people are eligible for organ donation when they pass, all of Katie's organs were viable and will save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of up to seventy people. Katie died in the same way she lived, by helping those in need. There is nothing that could have prepared any of us for this horrific tragedy and donations of any amount will be greatly appreciated by Tyler and his family.