“It's with a sense of helplessness that you watch your child receive needle after needle while screaming, and it's indescribable to leave the hospital with your life completely turned upside down,” says Conan's mom Marissa.
A first Diagnosis: diabetes
In the summer of 2022, after contracting COVID-19, Conan complained of excessive thirst, fatigue, and frequent urination. His concerned parents quickly sought medical attention. In the emergency room, a blood test revealed alarming glucose levels. Conan was hospitalized for three days at Hôpital de Gaspé, where he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. From then on, an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor became his daily allies. But managing his diabetes is demanding. “Diabetes requires full-time monitoring. We need constant access to our devices to be able to check his blood sugar levels,” confides Conan's mom Marissa.
Worrying symptoms: celiac disease
During a follow-up appointment at Hôpital de Rimouski, Marissa mentioned that Conan also had stomach pain and weight loss. The care team suspected severe gluten intolerance. In Québec City, blood tests and an endoscopy confirmed celiac disease. This required that every food be carefully controlled. “Celiac disease forces us to be extremely careful in preparing all foods and meals. We have to constantly check what he's eating, because gluten poisoning can not only make him very ill, but also have a devastating effect on his diabetes,” says Marissa.
A surprise: hemophilia diagnosis
In addition to diabetes and celiac disease, the doctors confirmed another diagnosis: hemophilia. This blood clotting disorder had been suspected at Conan's birth at the Centre mère-enfant Soleil (CMES) at CHU de Québec. Unfortunately, Conan is one of the 2% of people with hemophilia who also have celiac disease, making his care even more complex.
A supported care journey
Throughout his care journey, whether in Gaspé, Rimouski or at CMES, Enfant Soleil was there, providing equipment and care adapted to Conan's needs. Now six years old, Conan is monitored every three months for his diabetes and twice a year for his celiac disease, in Québec City. He requires meticulous daily management, but his parents help him live each moment to the fullest, despite the challenges.
A radiant child
Despite all his trials and tribulations, Conan remains a cheerful, energetic child with a beaming smile. He loves family and school activities and is resilient in the face of his illness. Although his parents need to be watchful when he plays sports, they always encourage him to enjoy life to the fullest.
– Marissa McCallum, Jake Dunn, Brody (4 years old) and Rowan (3 months old)
Conan's care journey
Conan's parents tell us about his life and the concrete impact of your donations.
