"She went to urgent care, thinking it would be a quick visit, but doctors kept her in the hospital for 43 days because she had immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) - a condition characterized by low levels of platelets, blood cells that prevents bleeding.
'This is a very serious condition,' she said. 'If you were to just slightly bump your head you can have internal bleeding.'
During that period of time, doctors performed a series of tests and treatments, including 50 blood transfusions, steroids, and a splenectomy, a procedure that removes the spleen."
- By Jaleesa Baulkman for Dailymail.com.uk. Photo courtesy of Emily Dumler.