Cassie Sutton was only five — vibrant, curious, and just beginning her journey in school. But what started as a mild sore throat ended in a devastating loss that could have been prevented.
Despite repeated visits to doctors, Cassie was misdiagnosed with a common cold and sent home. The true cause was far more serious — and a simple test might have saved her life.
A Worsening Illness, Dismissed
Like so many childhood illnesses, Cassie’s began innocently: a sore throat and a raspy voice. But within just three days, she had lost her voice completely. Her mother, Jasmine, and stepfather, Justin, grew increasingly concerned — Cassie just wasn’t acting like herself.
The worried Australian parents brought her to the local doctor. The diagnosis was quick: a viral infection. They were told to let it run its course. No tests. No antibiotics. Just rest.
But Cassie didn’t get better — she got worse.
Breathing Became a Struggle
Her breathing grew labored and frightening. Justin described it as sounding like an asthma attack or “like someone with emphysema.” Alarmed, the family rushed her to the hospital.
Despite Cassie showing clear signs of distress, doctors once again dismissed her symptoms after ruling out COVID-19 and RSV. Crucially, no tests were done for bacterial infections, and Cassie was sent home a second time — without treatment.
The Silent Threat: Strep A
What doctors failed to detect was a common yet potentially deadly infection: group A Streptococcus, also known as strep A.
It’s one of the most frequent childhood bacterial infections worldwide — and one of the most treatable. A simple throat swab and a course of antibiotics can prevent serious complications. But left untreated, it can rapidly become fatal.
Strep A often causes a sudden, severe sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Unlike viral infections, it rarely includes a cough — a detail that, if recognized, can help differentiate it from a cold or flu.
A Race Against Time
Back at home, Cassie’s health quickly declined. Her lips turned blue, and she began drifting in and out of consciousness. Justin performed CPR for 10 to 15 minutes until help arrived.
“She collapsed in Jaz’s arms,” Justin said, describing the horrifying moment.
Cassie was airlifted to Westmead Children’s Hospital, where doctors fought to save her. Despite 78 minutes of continuous CPR, the lack of oxygen had already caused irreversible brain damage.
It was only at this stage that a throat swab finally confirmed the truth: Cassie had strep A. The diagnosis came too late.
Turning Grief Into Purpose
Now, Cassie’s parents are left navigating the pain of losing their daughter to something that was entirely treatable. But rather than focus solely on blame, they’re channeling their grief into awareness.
“What I’ve said to everyone is we’ll deal with those doctors later — that’s a fight for another day,” Justin shared. For now, they’re urging parents to trust their instincts and push for answers when something feels wrong.
On Jersey Day, a national campaign for organ donation, Cassie’s family made the brave choice to donate her organs. Three children were given a second chance at life because of her.
“She’s a real-life superhero,” Justin said.
What Every Parent Should Know
Group A Streptococcus infects approximately 750 million people globally each year and is responsible for many sore throat cases in children. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications like rheumatic fever and heart damage.
Australia is currently experiencing a significant rise in strep A cases among children. A study in Lancet Regional Health revealed that between July 2018 and December 2022, three children died in the country from complications related to the infection.
Warning Signs Not to Ignore:
- A sudden, severe sore throat
- Rapidly rising fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue and fever without a cough
If your child shows these symptoms, don’t hesitate — ask your healthcare provider for a strep test.
Because sometimes, one simple test can mean the difference between life and death.
