A little girl lost her voice just days after falling ill. Doctors called it a viral infection. Her parents were told to wait it out. But what no one realized at the time was that a simple throat swab might have saved her life.
Cassie was just five years old, energetic and bright, when she started showing signs of illness during her first year of school. At first, it seemed harmless: a sore throat and a raspy voice. Doctors saw nothing alarming and assured her parents that it was likely a seasonal virus.
But her mother, Jasmine, and stepfather, Justin Sutton, sensed something deeper was wrong. Within three days, Cassie lost her voice completely. Despite their concern, they were told to monitor her at home. She was not tested for bacterial infections. No antibiotics were prescribed.
As days passed, Cassie’s condition deteriorated. Her breathing became shallow and labored, resembling someone struggling with asthma. Alarmed, her parents rushed her to the emergency room. Tests for COVID-19 and RSV came back negative, and again they were told it was a viral infection. She was sent home without further testing.
The real culprit was Group A Streptococcus, better known as strep A — a bacterial infection that is not only common in children but also highly treatable with antibiotics. Strep A is easily diagnosed with a throat swab, and symptoms typically resolve within 7 to 10 days when treated.
Cassie never got that chance.
At home, her condition rapidly declined. Her lips turned blue, and she drifted in and out of consciousness. Jasmine called emergency services. As they waited, Justin performed CPR. Paramedics arrived and airlifted her to Westmead Children’s Hospital. Despite 78 minutes of CPR by medical staff, Cassie was pronounced brain dead on August 28, 2023.
It was only at Westmead that a throat swab was finally performed. It confirmed the presence of strep A.
Cassie’s death was entirely preventable. Her parents were left shattered, not only by the sudden loss but also by the knowledge that simple medical protocol could have saved her.
Globally, Group A Streptococcus is among the most widespread bacterial infections, with over 616 million new cases reported each year. Though it often presents with a sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, it can rapidly escalate if untreated. Despite its prevalence, it is often overlooked during diagnosis, especially in young children.
Cassie’s story is a devastating reminder that in pediatric care, vigilance matters. A fever without a cough, combined with fatigue and a sore throat, should trigger further testing. Strep A is not rare, and it’s not invisible.
In the wake of her passing, Cassie’s family made the difficult decision to donate her organs. On September 1, 2023 — Jersey Day in Australia, a national organ donation awareness campaign — three children received life-saving transplants because of her.
Her stepfather called her a “real-life superhero.”
In their grief, Jasmine and Justin now advocate for awareness. They urge parents to trust their instincts and ask for tests when something feels wrong. They’re not focused on blame — not yet. For now, their mission is to make sure other families never endure what they have.
Cassie should still be here. Laughing. Playing. Thriving. Instead, her story has become a warning — and a call to action.
In the UK, another child died under nearly identical circumstances. This isn’t isolated. It’s a systemic failure that demands attention.
Let Cassie’s name stand for more than loss. Let it be a reason to listen more closely, to test more thoroughly, and to never dismiss a parent’s concern.
