For me, ITP has been a journey of spots. Seven years ago, it started with petechiae. The little red spots showed up, and they spread. Down to my feet, up above my knees, they became more noticeable. Then the bleeding started. Pretty soon, I was in the ER of Valley Children’s Hospital, hooked up to an IV, actively bleeding, with only 3,000 platelets of the normal 300,000 count. That was the start of my journey with ITP.

Since then, I’ve had regular visits to the hospital. I dreaded returning. Treatment after treatment with no success discouraged me. Then, I met George: the hospital mascot. The giraffe couldn’t heal me, but he always brightened my day. When I saw his spots, they meant something different than the ones that first changed my life. They gave me hope.

Years later, my condition hasn’t changed. The hospital saved me, but I might never return to normal. In some ways, it’s a blessing. I learned to never assume what someone is dealing with. I’ve become more empathetic. Most importantly, I became my own hope, and I changed my spots.

While ITP was once the story of my own health struggles, it has now become an opportunity for me to give back to my community and make a difference in the lives of others. I’m now a regular volunteer at Valley Children’s, brightening kids’ days as a Patient Pal and NICU Cuddler. Even more importantly, I get to bring joy to patients with George, helping out at awareness events, hospital fundraisers, and just walking around to say hello. Just as George was once my hope, I now get to see that beacon of light from another perspective.

On a personal level, my experience as both a patient and volunteer at the hospital has also made a huge impact on my future. Just as the staff at Valley Children’s once saved me, I want to make the difference for someone else as a healthcare provider. Although that motivation to succeed and drive to help others has always been in me, I’ve found this passion and a deeper level of compassion because of my journey with the spots, both on myself and George. When I was first diagnosed with ITP, many saw it as somewhat of a tragedy, taking me away from sports and creating a whole new life of doctors appointments and medical struggles. But, to be honest, I think it’s given me so much more in allowing me to become confident in who I am, proud of the accomplishments I’ve made, and more vocal in standing up for not only myself, but also other people who might not fit the perfect, healthy standards of society.

Outside of the costume, I will never be as tall as George, but I am like him in another way. Working to show kindness towards others or making someone smile allows my heart to grow bigger. Without ITP, I would have never discovered that side of myself, and I don’t believe that I would have the same kind of compassion, empathy, and understanding of other people. As an ITP patient, I’ve become a kinder human being who works hard to always have a big heart. One day, I hope to even be able to keep up with that of my favorite giraffe.