The family of a 12-year-old girl who passed away after being diagnosed with a common condition has spoken out in warning.
On 19 October 2023, 12-year-old Milla Foster from Kapunda, Australia, passed away 'suddenly from a brief illness'.
Her parents are now raising urgent awareness to other families, stressing to not ignore their instincts.
Advert
Milla was diagnosed with gastroenteritis shortly before she passed away, 9News reports.
Gastroenteritis is 'a very common condition that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It’s usually caused by a bacterial or viral tummy bug,' according to NHS Inform.
The description continues: "It affects people of all ages, but is particularly common in young children."
Advert
Symptoms include 'sudden, watery diarrhoea, feeling sick, vomiting, which can be projectile [and] a mild fever'.
The NHS notes that while the condition can be 'very unpleasant', it usually takes less than a week to go away and can normally be monitored and recovered from at home.
Milla's family took her to the doctors at Kapunda Hospital, where they kept her in for 'an hour, an hour-and-a-half' before sending the 12-year-old home with medication.
Advert
Her condition seemed to improve, her family said, but two days later she passed away.
Her family spoke to 9News, reflecting what 'a really good girl' she was.
The 12-year-old's step mom, Phoebe Kelly, said: "You don't think that gastro can potentially kill - especially someone so young and so healthy."
And Milla's dad, Shannon Foster, added: "I'm waiting to wake up and just see her."
Advert
Shannon has since started a GoFundMe page to help support the 12-year-old's family which, at the time of writing, has amassed $22,300 of its $5,000 target.
The page reads: "We have been deeply impacted by her loss and are reaching out to anyone within our community to help us with the unexpected funds we will be facing within the next week or so.
"We Miss you so much Milla and love you always and forever.
Advert
"Her memory will live on through her Mother Denise, Her Father Shannon, Her Stepmother Phoebe, and her 4 Siblings Jayden, Zarlia, Jackson, and Brooklyn."
Kelly concluded by imploring other parents to be 'over-cautious'.
She resolved: "Even if the doctors say you might be paranoid or if you're just over-cautious - just listen to it, because it's there for a reason."
SA Health Minister Chris Picton said: "My heartfelt sympathies go out to Milla's family.
"I will ensure that hospital and SA Health staff fully cooperate with a coronial investigation."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Griefline on 1300 845 745, open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week or use one of their 24/7 online forums.
Topics: US News, Parenting, Health, Mental Health
Poppy Bilderbeck