Full Breakdown
Family Faces Challenges in Search for Diagnosis of Daughter's Mysterious Illness
4/7/2026, 5:07:15 AM
Elyza's Health Struggles
A family from Brechin, Angus, is experiencing significant hardship as they seek a diagnosis for their 14-month-old daughter, Elyza, who suffers from a mysterious illness. Elyza's symptoms, which began at two months old, include persistent sickness, poor feeding, diminished muscle tone, and chronic fatigue. Her mother, Yasmin Whittington, 30, has had to leave her job to provide full-time care for Elyza, who has spent over three months in the hospital since her symptoms first emerged.
Yasmin described Elyza's condition, stating, “Her muscle tone was almost non-existent, and she would sleep around 21 hours a day. She just wasn’t developing the way she should.” Currently, Elyza is fed through a tube and struggles to gain weight, with her development resembling that of a five or six-month-old child.
Medical Journey and Support
Initially, doctors suspected Elyza might have "floppy infant syndrome," but they now believe there is an underlying cause that remains unidentified. As her gastrointestinal issues worsen, Elyza may soon require a feeding tube directly to her stomach. In the face of these challenges, Yasmin has turned to The Archie Foundation, a charity dedicated to improving healthcare for children, which has provided essential support, including a specialized car seat for Elyza.
Yasmin expressed gratitude for the charity's assistance, noting, “They helped us get the car seat organised within two weeks. It’s so expensive when you’re travelling back and forward and spending time in hospital.” She plans to participate in Glasgow’s Kiltwalk challenge to raise funds for The Archie Foundation, aiming to give back for the support her family has received.
Community and Fundraising Efforts
Yasmin is joined in her fundraising efforts by friends Zoe McCormack and Rohana Dewfall. She emphasized the importance of maintaining mental health during such trying times, stating, “Getting out and about for walks is really good for your mental health at times like this.”
Reti Turner, a senior fundraising officer at The Archie Foundation, acknowledged the challenges faced by families like Yasmin's, stating, “Caring for a child with complex needs can be overwhelming, and no family should have to face it alone.” The foundation has expressed pride in supporting families and helping them access necessary resources.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
As the Whittington family navigates this difficult journey, they remain hopeful for Elyza's future. Yasmin remarked, “Whatever happens, we’re just learning what our new normal looks like and doing everything we can to give her the best life possible.” The family's resilience and community support underscore the ongoing challenges faced by those caring for children with undiagnosed health conditions.
