This five-year-old Regina girl was named Sask. Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network

Ivy, 5, was named the 2026 Saskatchewan Ambassador for the Children’s Miracle Network Canada. (Photo source: Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation)

A five-year-old girl from Regina with a rare autoimmune disease has been named the 2026 Saskatchewan Ambassador for the Children’s Miracle Network Canada.

“It is with great anticipation that we announce Ivy as this year’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation Champion Child. Part of the Children’s Miracle Network Champions Program, Ivy and her family will spend this year representing sick and injured kids across Saskatchewan,” said Jada Kook, community engagement manager at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation (JPCHF).

“Ivy is a bright light everywhere she goes and exudes kindness and compassion to those she meets.”

Ivy was four years old when she was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis. She first began showing reluctance to walk in April 2024.

According to the JPCHF, Ivy was rushed to hospital after letting out a blood curdling scream during her first gymnastics class.

Ivy was initially diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. Her pain became extreme and tests revealed dangerous levels of muscle enzymes in her bloodstream, which prompted the need for IV fluids.

She was transferred to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital after her condition worsened.

Ivy underwent a series of tests and treatments while at the JPCH, including blood tests, chemotherapy, IVIG treatments, steroids, muscle biopsies, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, and a nasogastric tube.

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She was then diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the skin, muscles, and blood vessels that affects about two to four children per million worldwide every year.

Ivy’s condition eventually improved, which Ivy’s mom Shandra Brodner credited to the staff at the JPCH.

“I am not sure I can put into words how grateful we are. Our experience was amazing. The second we arrived, the team was waiting for us with new treatments and possibilities for us to try to get to the bottom of what was happening,” Shandra explained in an update from the JPCH.

Ivy is back at home and is currently in kindergarten, back to enjoying her life as a regular five-year-old. She no longer has her tube but is required to have monthly follow-up appointments at JPCH.