Baby Opal, the eight month old girl the Town of Drumheller showed great compassion for this summer, is home and happy, but her medical journey is far from over.
In August of this year, Baby Opal, daughter of Wendy and Chris Walsh was taken to the Alberta Children’s Hospital with what her parents thought at the time may be an allergic reaction. What started as a day trip turned out to be an eight-week stay.
Opal was diagnosed with stage 5 kidney failure. She underwent numerous procedures and operations to help drain the excess fluid she was retaining. This was on top of her daily round of dialysis.
It was an ordeal for the family as they spent day after day taking care of their youngest. The family’s business was disrupted in a summer when they were planning to take possession of their new home.
While the Walsh family was away, the story of their plight was spreading among friends and colleagues in the valley.
It started as small gestures, but soon they became bigger as those who cared about the family staged fundraisers including luncheons, barbecues, a silent auction, bottle drive and donations for services.
The impact of the efforts of Drumheller residents was a powerful statement to the family when they were able to return home to the valley in October, and they are grateful beyond words. The funds raised have helped the family prepare their home for their new reality and to make it through day to day.
Today Opal remains on peritoneal kidney dialysis. For 10 hours a night she is hooked to the machine as it performs the function her kidneys are no longer able to do. She is also on a number of medications and is fed through a nasogastric feeding tube.
Opal is struggling to keep her food down which is a grave concern for the family. Before the youngster is able to receive a transplant, she needs to grow. Currently she is about 9 kilograms, but needs to be 12-15 kilograms before doctors would be able to perform a transplant.
The optimal conditions for a transplant are when a family member is able to be a donor. Both Wendy and Chris are undergoing the screening process in hopes both will be matches when she is ready.
In the very near future Opal will be undergoing a nephrectomy (kidney removal) and will be back in hospital for an undetermined amount of time.
While Opal faces struggles on a daily basis, her parents say she is facing it with a happy demeanour, describing her as a beautiful, amazing little girl.