What began as what seemed like an ordinary childhood cold turned into a nightmare for the Kassis family. Five-year-old Cathy was sent home after doctors dismissed her worsening symptoms, but her condition rapidly declined. Her breathing became shallow and labored, more like an asthma attack than a common cold. Despite her mother’s concerns, no bacterial tests were carried out—only screenings for COVID-19 and RSV, which both came back negative. Without antibiotics, the infection continued to spread silently.
Within days, Cathy’s health spiraled. She drifted in and out of consciousness and collapsed in her mother Jasmine’s arms. Her lips turned blue, and her stepfather Justin fought desperately to save her with CPR until paramedics arrived. She was airlifted to Westmead Children’s Hospital, where doctors continued resuscitation efforts for over an hour. Although her heart was restarted, the long period without oxygen caused devastating brain damage.
It was only after further testing that the true cause was revealed: group A Streptococcus, a bacterial infection that is treatable if caught early. For Cathy, however, the delay proved fatal. Her organs began shutting down, and her family had to face the unbearable truth that her life could not be saved. Her parents later spoke out, urging awareness so that no other family has to suffer from a missed diagnosis.
Amid heartbreak, the family found a way to let Cathy’s spirit live on. On Jersey Day, a campaign promoting organ donation, they made the brave choice to donate her organs—saving the lives of three other people. Her father described her as “a superhero,” reminding the world that even in tragedy, Cathy’s short life carried purpose and left behind a legacy of compassion and hope.