A seemingly minor incident involving a toddler led to a critical medical discovery for her baby sister, potentially saving her life. On **September 20, 2024**, in Colorado, **Jewel**, a 27-year-old mother, faced a terrifying situation when her **4-month-old** daughter, **Hazel**, was accidentally dropped by her older sister, **Harper**, who was just **4 years old** at the time.
Jewel recalled the moment vividly, stating, “Hazel was lying on her floor mat when I went to grab laundry out of the dryer. Harper was kneeling on the floor next to Hazel and attempted to pick her up to put Hazel in her lap. Before I could stop her, Harper got her approximately 12 inches off the ground then lost her grip.” The family’s immediate reaction was panic, prompting them to take Hazel to the hospital for precautionary checks despite their initial assessment revealing no visible injuries.
Upon arrival at the hospital, Hazel underwent an MRI scan and a full-body X-ray, both of which appeared clear. Just as the family prepared to leave, a nurse identified alarming low oxygen levels during a routine check. “I was confused because, at first, the nurse excused the low oxygen as a faulty monitor reading,” Jewel explained. After further testing confirmed the issue, Hazel was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, where she would remain for a week.
Over the next several months, Hazel frequently returned to the hospital, battling recurrent pneumonia whenever she caught a cold. Medical professionals struggled to pinpoint the cause of her health issues. It wasn’t until **March 2025** that a comprehensive brain MRI revealed the underlying problem: Hazel had suffered a stroke while in utero, leading to multiple debilitating conditions.
Jewel expressed her disbelief and frustration, stating, “I had a lot of issues during the pregnancy, but none of my scans or wellness checks showed issues with Hazel.” The diagnosis meant that Hazel would likely face various restrictions as she grew, but Jewel remained hopeful. The early identification of these conditions through the hospital visit, prompted by Harper’s accident, could lead to better management of Hazel’s health.
Reflecting on that fateful day, Jewel described it as a “loving accident” that may have saved her daughter’s life. Doctors informed the family that without the intervention, they “would have lost Hazel” shortly after the incident. Jewel has since documented Hazel’s journey on social media, using the handle **@hazelsheroeshomebase**. What began as a quest for community support has evolved into a platform to raise awareness and inspire others.
Her posts have resonated widely, with one TikTok video detailing the events of September 2024 garnering over **3.3 million views** and more than **130,100 likes**. Jewel noted, “If it wasn’t for that fateful night at the ER, we would have lost her.”
Harper continues to have a close relationship with Hazel, often calling her “her baby.” Jewel emphasized the bond between her daughters, stating, “They have a fun, loving relationship filled with lots of laughter, snuggles, and silliness.” The family’s friends and their online community have embraced the phrase “Hazel’s Heroes,” signifying the collective support that has become crucial in their journey.
As Hazel progresses, Jewel remains committed to sharing their story, hoping to encourage others facing similar challenges. Her experience highlights the importance of vigilance in health matters, even when situations seem minor.
For those concerned about health issues, Newsweek encourages readers to reach out via [email protected] for expert advice, with the possibility of sharing personal stories in future features.
