Five weeks ago, the Duck family was blindsided when their eldest daughter was admitted to the Penticton Regional Hospital with an unknown medical condition.
Kaitlyn was first diagnosed with a blood infection and remained in the intensive care unit at the hospital. During this time, a CT exam revealed fluid on the brain.
Within a couple of days, this fluid led to Kaitlyn being left in a state of paralysis.
She was taken to Kelowna General Hospital where she underwent emergency brain surgery.
Only a couple of days after this surgery, Kaitlyn celebrated her 19th birthday in the ICU. She remained in the hospital for weeks, recovering from the experience and undergoing rehab each day to regain full body movement.
She was recently released to the care of her mother until she was taken to Penticton Regional Hospital on Friday.
Kaitlyn remains without part of her skull as doctors are unsure if further surgery is needed.
The Duck family is now in need of financial aid. Not only did they experience a drastic cut in their income but they were also left with unexpected travel expenses while Kaitlyn was in the Kelowna General Hospital.
Bottle donations to help the family are being accepted at 6818 Simpson Rd. There are also donation tins around town at Just Delicious Bistro, Zias Stonehouse Restaurant, Hong Kong Gardens, Penny Lane Bargain Outlet and the Summerland Credit Union.
There is also an account set up for the family’s expenses at the Summerland Credit Union, under the Kaitlyn Duck Fundraiser.
Those who have questions are asked to call Tracy Wardley at 250-486-5418, Geri Welsh at 250-488-3053 or Tara Duck at 250-494-0813.