Meet my beautiful niece, Hazel!!
I did not take these pictures (my sister, Blair did), but I wanted to share Hazel's story.
This past fall Hazel’s parents (my sister
and brother-in-law) noticed that something was “off”. Her left shoulder looked
different than her right shoulder. She never turned her head to the left, and
there seemed to be a slight curve in her spine. The pediatrician assured them
that they were just being worried parents. Luckily, they decided to get a
second opinion. Through an ultrasound and X-Ray it was discovered that Hazel
has only one kidney, a deformity with her left scapula (sprengel’s deformity),
and several concerns with her spine
(scoliosis, fused vertebrae, etc). It was also discovered through a test called
a VCUG that Hazel’s bladder is not anatomically correct which causes vesicoureteral reflux. After several visits to numerous different
types of doctors, a few questions were finally answered. At 6 months old “Hazel
baby” was diagnosed with Klippel-Feil syndrome.
Hazel and her family have a
long road ahead of them. With restricted movement of her upper spine, Hazel
will never be able to engage in contact sports, or any other activities where she could potentially fall (gymnastics, horseback riding, etc) things that
children (and parents) look forward to participating in. She will look
different than her peers, and with that comes (every parent’s nightmare)
bullies. All teenagers look forward to the freedom that comes with being
16—Hazel’s limited range of motion may possibly prevent her from being physically
able to drive. The restrictions seem
to be endless.
I have started a fundraiser at GiveForward.com (there is a link in my Favorites) to help give Hazel and her family the strength to deal with the emotional and financial challenges ahead. Please check it out, and pass it along. All money raised will be used for ongoing medical and living expenses not covered by insurance. Every little it helps. Thank you for all of your support, and please keep Hazel and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
