A mother has recounted how her daughter’s fall from a chair led to a life-saving cancer diagnosis. Katelynn Squires, 29, observed troubling signs in her three-year-old daughter, Paislee, such as unusual bruising, fevers, and pale skin in June 2022. Initial reassurances from doctors downplaying the symptoms as ‘normal for toddlers’ were dispelled when Paislee fell from her chair, resulting in severe bruising. The child’s sudden discoloration prompted medical attention, leading to a diagnosis of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a rare and severe form of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow. The incident unfolded in Florida, USA.
Recalling the distressing event to What’s The Jam, Katelynn described the chilling moment: “That day still haunts me. I took her to the doctor and they said it was normal. I had a gut instinct that something was wrong.” Following the fall, Paislee displayed immediate bruising and swelling on July 17, prompting Katelynn to contact the on-call pediatrician who advised a visit to the local children’s hospital. Tests confirmed the devastating news, with Paislee’s condition deteriorating rapidly as the cancer spread, causing organ failure.
Throughout Paislee’s treatment journey, including multiple surgeries and a round of Blinatumomab immunotherapy, Katelynn expressed that the hospital became a second home to their family. Following a successful plastic surgery procedure to address Paislee’s wounds, the resilient toddler is now healing but continues to undergo daily chemotherapy and steroids in her ongoing battle against cancer. Katelynn commended Paislee’s courage and determination, acknowledging the challenges they face as a family navigating through the nightmare of childhood cancer.
Expressing her anxiety as a parent faced with a cancer diagnosis, Katelynn utilises Instagram to share Paislee’s story, aiming to raise awareness about childhood cancer and emphasise the importance of recognising warning signs. The poignant account serves as a reminder of the critical role vigilance and advocacy play in safeguarding children’s health and well-being.