By Canadian Press

Baby of Saskatchewan curler who died giving birth to be released from hospital

Oct 29, 2019 | 10:46 AM

SASKATOON — The baby daughter of a promising Saskatchewan curler who died during childbirth last week is going home.

Aly Jenkins of Warman, Sask., a member of Sherry Anderson’s rink, died Oct. 20 at the age of 30.

Doctors determined amniotic fluid had entered her blood stream, which set off an embolism. Her heart eventually gave out.

Her husband, Scott Jenkins, has been providing online updates about baby Sydney Alyssa’s progress, since his wife passed away.

The girl had been in the neonatal intensive care unit in critical condition and was provided with breathing assistance due to complications.

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“All machines have been removed and now onto demand feeding!” said a post on Jenkins’s Facebook page on Monday. 

“We got the word she will be discharged (Tuesday).”

There has been a huge outpouring of support for the family from across Canada, including a GoFundMe campaign, which had raised nearly $150,000 as of Tuesday morning. The baby has a four-year-old brother and an 18-month-old sister.

“Aly was a loving mom, wife, daughter, sister, co-worker and friend that touched the hearts of everyone she met. Please consider helping out Aly’s loved ones as they navigate this tragedy and attempt to move forward in life,” said the fundraising page.

A $10,000 donation in the curler’s name has been made by the Sandra Schmirler Foundation to fund equipment at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon. It’s been matched by the hospital’s foundation.

“Just as Sandra touched the hearts of so many, Aly was beloved by all who knew her and will be sorely missed,” said the foundation. 

Schmirler, who was from Biggar, Sask., skipped her team to a gold medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics — the first time women’s curling was a medal sport. She died of cancer in 2000.  

The Sandra Schmirler Foundation raises money to purchase life-saving equipment for hospitals for babies who are born premature and critically ill.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 29, 2019.

— By Bill Graveland in Calgary. Follow @BillGraveland on Twitter

The Canadian Press