Areyliah Hazard (AJ) has struggled with intestinal issues since birth. On September 15th, her health began to rapidly decline. She was admitted to Albany Medical Center. Stomach bacteria and toxins were leaking through her intestinal walls into her blood stream causing extreme pain and organ failure. She was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease upon finding the granulomas in her biopsies. Soon after, it was discovered that she is suffering from an attack of a bacteria known as MAI/MAP. 


Albany Med Center was able to get her stabilized with the use of IV pain meds and nutrition (AJ cannot eat because of the pain digestion is causing her). AJ needs specific technology to see in her small intestines above what typical CT scans and ultrasounds can offer, so AJ's medical care team had her transferred to Boston Children's Hospital, but her insurance denied it demanding that Columbia (Morgan Stanley) Children's Hospital in NY take the case so AJ was quickly transferred on October 31st. By December, Columbia made the decision that they could not find answers to solve her situation. On Christmas Eve, AJ was admitted to Boston Children's Hospital.  Studies so far have shown she has persistent inflammation and infection and severe neurological damage throughout her intestines caused by an unyet treatable form of Crohns. 

AJ is currently in tremendous pain.  Patrick, has been at her bedside since the beginning and will remain until she is healed. Yulanda, her mother, had been keeping the home front and caring for the children, who missed their sister terribly through December. On Christmas Eve the family made the decision that it was best to be together, so Yulanda and the children have been living in a hotel since.


AJ turned 14 years old November 8th, the oldest of four children. AJ loves dance, especially ballet. She was supposed to move up to Pointe this year and audition for The Nutcracker. AJ loves to sing as well. At home, she serves on all of the music teams at her church. Her taste in music is ecclectic. AJ volunteers to help out at home, in her community, and at church as often as there is a need. She has such a sweet nature and postive attitude and has influenced so many people throughout the years of her young life. It is difficult to see her struggle.

The family is overwhelmed by the support that so many have shown and are continuing to show as AJ continues to suffer. After repeated requests and some direction, the Hazards have agreed to a gofundme account as the medical, travel, and lodging expenses are already great and growing fast. Patrick and Yulanda are greatful and humbled by all support be it financial or prayer.