On April 11th, Hailey went to bed as her happy, healthy, spunky little self, but on April 12th, Hailey woke with unexplained bruises covering her body, and was bleeding from both her mouth and nose.  She was taken to a local clinic where she was given an initial diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

ITP is a blood disorder characterized by low platelets. Platelets are what help the blood clot. Having low platelets causes easy bruising and an inability to clot when bleeding. A healthy person's platelet count should range from 100-150.  On Monday morning, Hailey's platelet count was at a 4, and within hours, it had decreased to zero.

Hailey's parents were directed to return home and to keep Hailey from running, jumping, or playing. However,  after being home for only a few hours, Hailey's symptoms got worse and her fever had spiked. Hailey was brought to the ER where they continued to treat her.

By April 14th, Hailey was admitted to the Children's Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. Thus far, she has received two rounds of IVIG infusions, 2 rounds of platelet infusions, one blood transfusion, and has undergone a bone marrow biopsy.

Hailey's mom, Stephany Harstad, has not left her side since being admitted. Both Hailey's mom and her dad, Josh Harstad, are missing work to be by Hailey's side. Hailey has two older sisters who remain at home while both mom and dad are with Hailey during these challenging times.

As of April 17th, Hailey remains in the blood disorder unit at the Children's Hospital. It is unknown when Hailey will get to return home as her platelet level remains at a zero despite several treatments. 

(For those of you that would prefer to make a donation through Venmo, you can send it to @Stephany-Harstad)