On a bright and sunny day in July 2023, 10-year-old Charli was enjoying a wonderful BBQ dinner with her family. During the meal Charli’s parents Tim and Yasmyne, noticed something unusual in her eyes – a yellowish tinge. Concerned, Tim asked Charli how she was feeling. She mentioned having dark urine and not having had a bowel movement for five days.

The family suddenly stopped eating and hurried to the emergency department in Sioux Lookout. In the emergency room, they met Dr. Jay Robinson, who initially suspected the flu. Charli's dad, however, insisted that he check her eyes, and Dr. Robinson promptly ordered a series of tests. Within hours, the results showed that Charli's liver enzymes were alarmingly high for a 10-year-old.

A decision was made that Charli needed to be taken to a different hospital. Ornge was involved with Charli’s transport to the Winnipeg Children's Hospital. Charli fondly remembers meeting Andrew, a member of the Ornge team, who helped ease her anxiety during the flight with stories, games, and friendly banter.

 

“I met ANDREW, one of your medical transport team. He is a cool guy! He talked a lot. He told me a lot of stories and his favorite things to do. He made me feel comfortable during our flight. When we reached the hospital, he continue to play X and O and Hangman with me. Well, I guess he mastered the game. It was so nice to meet him and the rest of the team.” – Charli

 
The care and attention she received during this difficult time brought warmth to her heart, even as her medical condition grew more serious.

After spending five days in Winnipeg, Charli developed acute liver failure, and it was decided to transfer her to Toronto SickKids Hospital. Although Charli was sad that it wouldn't be the same Ornge transport team who would take her to Toronto, the knowledge that she was in capable hands brought her comfort.
 
On July 27th, Charli underwent an eleven-and-a-half-hour liver transplant surgery. Charli's recovery was remarkable. Approximately three days after her surgery, she was already walking. She astonished the hospital staff with her resilience and rapid progress. Just one week after the transplant, she was removed from all support, and after three weeks in the hospital, Charli was finally discharged.
 
Charli is currently on the road to recovery and has even gone back to school. At such a young age, she has shown us the true meaning of strength and resilience. Charli is a true Liver Transplant Warrior!
 
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• Patients and Families