Misdiagnosed Illness Claims Life of 5-Year-Old Cathy Kassis, Sparks Call for Awareness
Five-year-old Cathy Kassis was first diagnosed with a mild cold, but her condition rapidly deteriorated. Her breathing grew labored, resembling an asthma attack, yet doctors failed to order bacterial tests. Only COVID-19 and RSV screenings were done—both negative—leaving her without life-saving antibiotics.
Within days, Cathy’s health worsened dramatically. She collapsed in her mother Jasmine’s arms, slipping in and out of consciousness. Her lips turned blue as her stepfather, Justin, performed CPR for 15 minutes until paramedics arrived.
She was airlifted to Westmead Children’s Hospital, where doctors continued CPR for 78 minutes. Though her heart was revived, extended oxygen deprivation caused irreversible brain damage. By the time tests identified the infection, her organs had begun to fail.
The cause was group A Streptococcus, a common yet potentially deadly bacterial infection. Had it been caught earlier, simple antibiotics might have saved her life. The misdiagnosis proved fatal.
Justin later said accountability would come “another day,” but for now, their focus was on preventing other families from facing similar tragedies. They shared Cathy’s story to raise awareness about the dangers of missed diagnoses.
Despite their grief, Cathy’s parents chose to donate her organs. On Jersey Day—a national campaign promoting organ donation—Cathy saved three lives. Her father called her “a superhero,” saying her short life left a powerful legacy of compassion.
Though the pain remains, her family finds solace in knowing Cathy’s story may save others. Her life now stands as both a warning and a symbol of selfless love.
