Imagine a scenario where a moment of panic unexpectedly turns into a life-saving event; this is exactly what happened to a mother from Colorado. In September 2024, Jewel Hee found herself in a situation that would not only alarm her but ultimately lead to a crucial discovery that saved her infant daughter’s life.
While busy with her laundry, Jewel noticed her three-year-old daughter, Harper, attempting to lift her four-month-old sister, Hazel. In a split second, Harper accidentally dropped the baby from a height of about twelve inches. Panic surged through Jewel’s veins as she feared for Hazel’s safety and rushed her to the hospital.
Upon arrival, doctors conducted a full-body X-ray, which thankfully revealed that Hazel had not sustained any broken bones. However, as they prepared to leave the hospital, a nurse made a startling find: Hazel’s oxygen levels were alarmingly low, a condition that can potentially lead to severe brain damage if not addressed promptly.
Initially, medical professionals suspected that Hazel might be suffering from a lung infection and prescribed antibiotics. Unfortunately, her health continued to deteriorate over the following months. It wasn’t until May 2025 that an MRI scan uncovered a more serious issue: Hazel had experienced a stroke while still in the womb. Jewel believes this dire condition would have remained undiagnosed had it not been for the unexpected incident that compelled her to seek immediate medical attention.
Reflecting on this shocking turn of events, Jewel stated, "My daughter saved Hazel's life. All of our family and friends consider Harper to be Hazel's hero. In the end, it turned out to be a happy accident—almost like divine intervention."
The medical team theorized that the stroke was caused by a blood clot in Jewel’s placenta, the organ that nourishes the fetus during pregnancy. Jewel expressed her disbelief when confronted with the grim diagnosis: "We were completely dumbfounded. We expected to leave the hospital with good news, but instead, we were faced with this shocking revelation. I wondered, 'How could this have gone unnoticed?' After all, Hazel had undergone extensive screenings and check-ups during those first four months."
Discovering that her daughter had suffered a perinatal stroke left Jewel feeling overwhelmed. This type of stroke cuts off blood supply to the fetal brain, which can result in developmental challenges and feeding difficulties later in life. In the United States, it affects a small fraction of newborns, estimated between one in every 1,000 to one in every 3,000 births.
Following her birth, Hazel encountered numerous struggles with breastfeeding, often aspirating milk into her lungs instead of her stomach, which was a critical factor in her dangerously low oxygen levels. Additionally, being born at a lower weight and exhibiting reduced muscle tone further complicated her ability to move normally. Jewel recounted, "At the time, doctors had reassured us, so I didn’t suspect anything was wrong. Typically, low oxygen levels manifest through symptoms like blue lips or excessive sleepiness, but Hazel showed none of these signs."
Jewel shared insights from her doctor, who explained that had they not discovered Hazel’s condition quickly, especially during the flu season, the consequences could have been dire. Today, Hazel requires oxygen therapy, faces developmental delays, wears braces on her feet to aid her strength, and relies on a feeding tube due to the residual effects of her stroke.
Grateful for the unexpected twist that led to Hazel’s diagnosis, Jewel emphasizes the importance of seeking immediate medical help if something feels amiss. She advocates for more comprehensive screenings from healthcare providers and encourages parents to be vigilant. "I am forever grateful. I thank God daily for the series of events that unfolded, allowing us to discover Hazel’s condition early on. If we had identified it sooner, perhaps she wouldn’t need as many interventions as she does now."
Jewel concluded with a compelling message to other parents: "It’s incredibly frightening to think that something preventable could have gone unnoticed. I want to raise awareness so that parents feel empowered to ask questions during routine appointments and insist on thorough screenings. If you notice anything unusual with your child, do not hesitate to bring them in for a check-up."
In discussing this extraordinary story, one must wonder: How often do we overlook seemingly minor incidents that could lead to significant health revelations? What steps can we take to ensure our children receive the best possible care?
