Meet Ariannah

2023_Squad_Ariannah

Ariannah was born into a big family full of love! She has an older sister and brother, and her parents were excited for her arrival and the completion of their family. As seasoned parents, they noticed a few things with Ariannah that just didn’t sit right with them – she was smaller than their other kids, and she would often choke, aspirate and turn blue. At two months old, they took Ariannah to the pediatric clinic at the Stollery Children’s Hospital looking for answers.

The team at the Stollery discovered that Ariannah had stridor – a high-pitched sound when she inhaled. Further testing showed that Ariannah had laryngomalacia: the soft tissues of her larynx partially block her airway opening which leads to choking and aspirating when she eats. This has led to Ariannah being completely reliant on her G-tube for feeding and nutrition.

As time went on, Ariannah saw multiple specialists at the Stollery and underwent numerous genetic tests which led to an autism diagnosis and UNC80 deficiency, meaning Ariannah is severely developmentally delayed, non-verbal and experiences seizures.

The team at the Stollery has been vital in supporting Ariannah and her family as they navigate life at home and in the community. Having the Stollery in their backyard gives Ariannah’s parents comfort knowing they have a team behind them, helping to give their daughter the best chance at a long and healthy life.

The Stollery allows us to give our girl a fighting chance despite every obstacle she faces.
– Zeineh and Andy, Ariannah’s parents
Stollery Story Squad - Meet Ariannah