By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Stasiewski family is seeking donations and support for their daughter, Isabella, who has been diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation and diffuse arteriovenous malformations.

The family has been on an emotional rollercoaster ever since 12-year-old Isabella's diagnosis as they try to seek life-saving treatment.

Isabella's mother, Mabel, spoke about the roadblocks the family has been facing.

After seeking medical attention from three different hospitals – SickKids Toronto, Toronto Western, and Hamilton – the hospitals concluded that due to the complicated nature of Isabella's condition, there was no treatment available for her in Canada.

Therefore, the family has to seek specialists in the United States who can provide treatment.

The appointments, treatment, and four-week stay will all cost the family out of pocket, which is why Mabel began a GoFundMe campaign.

“I wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't extremely important,” said Mabel. “Even if it was for me, I wouldn't do this, but it's for her.”

“It's very expensive,” added Mabel. “We're aware we might even have to move, whatever we have to do if it's going to help her.”

Isabella has been attending Caledon Central Public School since Kindergarten; at the school, she was also a part of track.

Mabel remarked that Isabella has always been a healthy and strong kid.

Since this began a year ago, Isabella has been in and out of SickKids, including the original four-month stay, which was then a few more months and multiple painful tests until the family received the diagnosis.

Mabel says the team at SickKids is amazing, but knowing they can't treat her, the family knows they must go elsewhere.

Mabel said that her daughter is frequently in and out of hospitals and is constantly sick.

“Her whole life is ahead of her, it's hard to just leave her like that,” said Mabel. “It's been hard, but a lot of good things have come out of it too, if you can believe it.”

Mabel said she works in Town, and they have been very accommodating, and she remarked how supportive the community has been.

“Everyone has been amazing,” said Mabel. “It makes you feel better in the middle of the mess.”

The Stasiewski family will be travelling to the United States in two weeks for their meetings with specialists in both Arizona and Florida.

Mabel's GoFundMe, Hope for Isabella, is currently at $32,000 out of their $100,000 goal.

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/78fnyr-hope-for-isabella.