Devastated Kapunda family’s warning after 12-year-old Milla Foster died two days after visiting hospital with gastroenteritis

The distraught family of a 12-year-old girl who died two days after being diagnosed with a common disease have urged others not to ignore their instincts if they suspect something is wrong.

Milla Foster died on October 19, just two days after being taken to Kapunda Hospital in South Australia’s Barossa Valley.

Doctors watched her for an hour and a half on October 17 before diagnosing gastroenteritis and sending her home with medication.

Her father and stepmother are now dealing with the unbearably tragic loss of their daughter, after initially believing her condition was improving.

Mr. Foster remembers his daughter as a free spirit who loved Taylor Swift.

“She was a very good girl, I’m waiting to wake up and just see her,” he said told 9News.

The beginning of the end began when Milla told her father that she was having an upset stomach and other mild symptoms that weren’t too much of a concern at first.

Mr Foster took her to hospital with her stepmother Phoebe Kelly, where doctors examined Milla and diagnosed her with the relatively common disease.

Gastroenteritis, commonly referred to simply as gastro, inflames the lining of the digestive system and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea.

Normally the illness only lasts between 12 and 60 hours, or half a day to two and a half days.

Although unlikely, the highly contagious condition can lead to death from dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in people with underlying health conditions.

Milla’s parents said the 12-year-old’s condition improved in the days after leaving the hospital until her sudden death.

Now they wonder if anything else could have been done to save the young girl.

“You don’t think that gastrointestinal disease could potentially be fatal, especially in someone so young and so healthy,” Ms Kelly said.

“Even if the doctors say you might be paranoid or you’re just being too cautious, just listen to (your gut) because it’s there for a reason.”

The family has one GoFundMe to raise funds for a celebration of Milla’s life amid an outpouring of public support at this difficult time.

The original fundraising goal of $5,000 was quickly reached and the total now stands at $22,000.

The money will go toward unexpected bills and a memorial service planned for a future date.

“We are deeply affected by her loss and are reaching out to everyone in our community to help us with the unexpected funds we will face in the coming week,” Mr Foster wrote.

“We miss you so much Milla and love you always and forever.”

Mr Foster added that Milla’s memory will live on through her mother, stepmother, himself and her four siblings.

South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton expressed his condolences to Milla’s family and promised a full investigation into what happened.

“My sincere condolences go out to Milla’s family,” the statement read.

“I will ensure that the (Kapunda) hospital and SA Health staff fully cooperate with any coronavirus investigation.”

Friends of the family also shared their condolences online, where Mr Foster and Mrs Kelly posted tributes to their late daughter.

“I am absolutely heartbroken for all of you. I know none of us can help, but we are sending love and thoughts to all of you,” a family friend wrote.

“I’m so sorry Shannon, no words can make this better, but know you are in our hearts and minds,” wrote another.

‘So incredibly heartbreaking. I’m so sorry, Shannon. You are surrounded by love and strength,” a third added.

Ms Kelly shared a touching old letter Milla had written to her, in which the child had expressed the love she felt for her stepmother.

“To Phoebe,” the letter began.

‘I like you because you are my and my father’s niece. You are kind, loving, kind and all good things.

“I like it when I give you a giggle. I like it when I see (see) your smile.

“I like Phoebe.”