Teen's near fatal illness inspires story, advances research at Michigan Medicine

“Use Your Voice” tells the story of Alice’s experience with misdiagnosed appendicitis. Late in 2021, she experienced stomach cramping, fever, chills, and vomiting and was taken to an emergency room, where her pain became intense. Doctors diagnosed Alice with a viral infection, but her condition continued to worsen. Her parents’ requests for additional testing and a consultation with a gastroenterologist were denied, and the family struggled for answers until Alice was dangerously ill.

In desperation, her father reached out to a hospital administrator who finally intervened to get Alice the help she needed. An X-ray and ultrasound revealed that Alice had received an incorrect diagnosis and was suffering from a perforated appendix that was leaking deadly bacteria into her body. With little time to spare, she was rushed into emergency surgery to save her life.

Alice and her family became determined to help other families avoid a similar situation. Her mom, Jennifer, learned about research conducted by Prashant Mahajan, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., William G. Barson Collegiate Professor of Emergency Medicine, chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, and professor of pediatrics at Michigan Medicine, that highlights how many children experience situations like Alice’s.

Dr. Mahajan found that appendicitis can be missed in up to 15% of children when they first present in an emergency department, even though it is one of the most common surgical emergencies in children, and that females and children under five are even more likely to experience a delayed diagnosis or be misdiagnosed.

The Tapper family is now helping Michigan Medicine’s Department of Emergency Medicine to create a Center for Diagnostic Excellence in Medicine. The Center will set new standards in diagnostic care by finding the best ways to reduce patient harm, ensure accountability, transparency, equity, and collaboration, train the next generation of investigators, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship in diagnostic medicine.

On the family’s campaign page for the book, Jake and Jennifer said that the University of Michigan and Michigan Medicine has taken a unique, direct-action approach to solving this problem and they are thrilled to join forces with them to make sure this never happens to another child again.

The book, titled “Use Your Voice,” tells the story of a near-fatal medical emergency and empowers children to advocate for their health. The book was released by Penguin Workshop on August 27 and its launch was celebrated in Washington, D.C., on September 7. 

Alice hopes her book will make a difference for children and families. She was quoted on Associated Press News as saying, “I am so excited to share this book and empower kids visiting the hospital, a place that can be scary for everyone, not just children. The characters in the book who are part of the pain chart are my way of showing my thought process from when I was sick, and I hope readers enjoy them while also understanding the need to listen to their own bodies.”