After being misdiagnosed with a cold, 5-year-old lost her life to a treatable illness

Cassie Sutton was just five years old โ€” full of life, starting school, and thriving. But what began as a simple sore tDespite multiple doctor visits, Cassie was told she only had a cold and was sent home. The truth was far more dangerous, and a quick, simple test could have saved her life.

It all started like so many other childhood illnesses: a sore throat and hoarse voice.But within three days, 5-year-old Cassie had completely lost her voice, leaving her mother Jasmine and stepfather Justin deeply worried. Cassie wasnโ€™t acting like herself, Jasmine recalled.

Concerned, the Australian parents took Cassie to a local doctor. The diagnosis was quick and seemingly straightforward โ€” a viral infection. The family was told to simply wait it out, believing rest and time would heal their little girl.

But Cassieโ€™s condition didnโ€™t improve. Instead, it worsened.

Breathing became a fight for survival
As the days passed, Cassieโ€™s breathing grew more labored, resembling what Justin described as โ€œan asthma attack or the labored breath of someone with emphysema.โ€ Alarmed, the family rushed her to the emergency room.hroat quickly spiraled into a heartbreaking tragedy that could have been avoided.