A Journey of Resilience and Remarkable Care

October 5 is World Meningitis Day

When 11-year-old Leah Fryza came down with what seemed like an ordinary ear infection in April 2024, her parents had no idea their world was about to turn upside down. Within hours Leah’s condition rapidly deteriorated and by midnight her father Jason was rushing her to the hospital in Thompson, Manitoba.

“She was fading,” Jason recalls. “I literally carried her to the truck. It was like everything was happening so fast – and so wrong.”

Doctors at the hospital in Thompson acted quickly and diagnosed Leah with bacterial meningitis, a life-threatening condition that required immediate intervention by the specialized pediatric teams at HSC Children’s Hospital. She was stabilized and flown to Winnipeg, where a team was waiting to begin intensive treatment.

Those early days were terrifying. Leah underwent multiple MRIs, was fitted with a PICC line, and placed on broad-spectrum antibiotics while her care team worked to determine the source of the infection. On top of this, a blood clot was found in her brain. The pediatric hematology team was recruited to manage the complication.

Despite the uncertainty, Leah’s family found comfort in the compassionate, skilled care their daughter received.

“Everything was managed really well,” Jason says. “And as tough as it was, the hospital made it as comfortable as it could be. We were able to stay by her side the whole time, taking turns overnight.”

Leah spent nearly two weeks at Children’s before being discharged as an outpatient to complete her final days of treatment. With family nearby in Winnipeg, the Fryzas were able to remain in the city and return daily for antibiotics, allowing Leah to further recover with more family supports.

“Getting her out of the hospital sooner made a big difference,” Jason says. “Because real recovery – that happens at home.”

Leah celebrated her 12th birthday shortly after leaving the hospital. Today, she’s doing well – she’s energetic, healthy, and back to being a kid.

Follow-up care included more MRIs and three months of blood thinners for the blood clot in her brain. Leah also needed to return to HSC Children’s for one more check-up to monitor a small cyst found during her initial scan.

“We’re not overly worried,” Jason explains. “Honestly, I’m just grateful that they’re doing their due diligence. As a guy who works in aircraft maintenance, I know how important it is to test things thoroughly. I see that same commitment in the care Leah’s received.”

The Fryzas’ journey with Manitoba’s only children’s hospital has given Jason a new perspective – not just as a father, but as a Manitoban.

“I didn’t realize how much of the Children’s Hospital is supported by donor funding,” he says. “But after going through this, I get why it matters. From the medevac to the MRI machines to the outpatient support – it all plays a role. And it all needs support.”

Jason is also passionate about the impact of sharing these experiences.

“I didn’t know how many other families from northern communities have similar stories.”

Andrew Ferris from the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba was in Thompson to share a few stories. Jason was at that presentation and was moved by what happened after. Jason saw other people opening up and didn’t feel so isolated.

Now, Jason hopes that by telling Leah’s story, other families facing difficult diagnoses will know they’re not alone.

“If this story helps one kid feel more comfortable walking into that hospital, or one parent feel a bit less afraid, then it’s worth sharing.”

And for those who can give?

“Support what you can,” Jason says. “Every dollar makes a difference – not just in treatment, but in giving kids like Leah the chance to get back to just being kids.”