Jade Dowling

I’m participating in the February Step Challenge in support of SickKids and in Honour of Rylee Dowling

This month, I’m stepping up in the fight for children’s health by participating in the February Step Challenge. Every walk, commute, and hike will help SickKids.

Our journey with SickKids started in 2019 when our first daughter Logan was born. She was transferred to SickKids at 3 days old due to "seizure-like" activity. We remained in the NICU for four days before coming home. Luckily Logan was well.

Fast forward 2 years and we had our second daughter Rylee in March of 2021. When Rylee was 3 days old we were transferred to SickKids Hospital again for "seizure-like" activity. Although this time it was seizures. We remained in the NICU at SickKids for 8 long weeks; when Rylee was given the prognosis of Ohtahara Syndrome. A very rare form of Infantile Epilepsy. Ohtahara is a drug-resistant and ever evolving form of Epilepsy that has no cure and not a long life expectancy. We brought Rylee home on Hospice care where she lived the remainder of her days surrounded by Family and Friends. Rylee passed away just shy of 12 weeks old. 

SickKids is dear to our heart. They took great care of our girls and ultimately gave us the gift of time with Rylee. Since Rylee's passing we have started the Lending Library at SickKids NICU in her honour. We continue to share her story. This month we walk for Rylee, for Logan, for all the children and families who have been impacted by SickKids Hospital, and for a brighter future. Please consider donating or joining us.

Rylee you were Brave, you were strong, and you will always be so Loved.

Your support, whether through a donation or simply cheering me on, will help keep me moving, one step at a time, towards my goal.

Donations made will help SickKids fund groundbreaking research, fuel innovative health care, and continue to deliver life – saving care for countless kids.

Thank you for your support!